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Fungal postoperative spondylodiscitis due to Scedosporium prolificans

Carolina Garcia-Vidal1, Carmen Cabellos, Josefina Ayats

  • 1Infectious Disease Service, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitary de Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. carolgv75@hotmail.com

The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society
|May 19, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Postoperative fungal spondylodiscitis, a rare infection, presents similarly to bacterial forms. Early diagnosis and treatment, including surgery and antifungals, are crucial for favorable outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Postoperative fungal spondylodiscitis is a rare but serious spinal infection.
  • Fungal vertebral infections pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • This study details the first reported case of postoperative spondylodiscitis caused by Scedosporium prolificans.
  • A literature review identified eight mold and five yeast-related cases of postoperative fungal spondylodiscitis.

Findings:

  • Clinical presentation of fungal spondylodiscitis mimics bacterial vertebral osteomyelitis, necessitating a high index of suspicion for diagnosis.
  • Surgical debridement and antifungal therapy demonstrated significant success in treating these infections.

Implications:

  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical intervention and antifungal treatment, are vital for improving patient prognosis.
  • The clinical course and prognosis of fungal spondylodiscitis are comparable to those of pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

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