Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
06:23

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Published on: May 23, 2021

[Infectious spondylodiskitis and epidural abscess after spinal puncture for pilonidal sinus excision]

A Pavón Benito1, M J Asensio Martín, A de la Torre Campo

  • 1Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación, Hospital Virgen del Camino, Pamplona, Navarra. ruizpavon@yahoo.es

Revista Espanola De Anestesiologia Y Reanimacion
|February 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Vertebral infections post-spinal puncture are rare and not always linked to the procedure. Consider this complication for back pain and fever, even after simple punctures, for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Vertebral infections following spinal puncture are infrequently documented.
  • Their incidence is comparable to spontaneous epidural abscesses, questioning a direct causal link.

Observation:

  • Analysis of 10 cases revealed inconsistent reporting on aseptic techniques (50%) and prior infections (2 patients).
  • Abscesses occurred after simple punctures in 3 cases, with puncture type unspecified in half the reports.

Findings:

  • Spinal puncture-associated vertebral infections are rare but should be suspected in patients with back pain and fever, irrespective of neurological deficits or puncture simplicity.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving survival and minimizing neurological deficits.

Implications:

  • Urgent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for prompt diagnosis of potential vertebral infections.
  • Timely intervention can significantly enhance patient outcomes and reduce long-term neurological complications.

More Related Videos

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection08:03

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection

Published on: June 23, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...