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Intramedullary cervical spinal cord abscess by viridans group Streptococcus secondary to infective endocarditis and

Mario Fernández-Ruiz1, Francisco López-Medrano, María García-Montero

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. mario_fdezruiz@yahoo.es

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|January 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Intramedullary abscess of the spinal cord (IASC) is a rare complication of infective endocarditis (IE). This case highlights a potential link between prior cervical radiotherapy and IASC development, a novel physiopathologic mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Intramedullary abscess of the spinal cord (IASC) is a rare neurological complication.
  • Infective endocarditis (IE) can lead to IASC, particularly in the post-antibiotic era.
  • Risk factors, microbial patterns, and prognosis of IASC are evolving.

Observation:

  • A case of cervical IASC caused by viridans group Streptococcus is presented.
  • The patient had a history of mitral valve infective endocarditis.
  • Previous cervical radiotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was noted.

Findings:

  • The study presents a unique case of cervical IASC in a patient with mitral valve IE.
  • Viridans group Streptococcus was identified as the causative agent.
  • A potential link between prior cervical radiotherapy and IASC is hypothesized.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a novel physiopathologic mechanism for IASC development.
  • Understanding this mechanism could inform prevention and treatment strategies for IASC.
  • Further research is needed to validate the role of radiotherapy in IASC pathogenesis.

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