Campylobacter jejuni abscess, encephalomyelitis, and acute polyradiculoneuropathy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of gastroenteritis.
• Neurological complications of C. jejuni infections, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (an acute polyradiculoneuropathy), are well-documented.
• Spinal epidural abscesses are serious infections typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Observation:

• An unusual case of spinal epidural abscess caused by Campylobacter jejuni was identified.
• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of both acute polyradiculoneuropathy and parainfectious encephalomyelitis.
• This represents a rare co-occurrence of these distinct neurological syndromes secondary to a single C. jejuni infection.

Findings:

• Decompressive surgery was performed for the spinal epidural abscess.
• Treatment included antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and intravenous methylprednisolone.
• The patient experienced rapid clinical improvement following the multimodal treatment approach.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for C. jejuni to cause severe and complex neurological manifestations, including spinal epidural abscess, polyradiculoneuropathy, and encephalomyelitis.
• It underscores the importance of considering C. jejuni in the differential diagnosis of spinal epidural abscesses, particularly in patients with concurrent neurological symptoms.
• The successful management emphasizes the efficacy of a combined surgical and medical approach in treating these challenging infections.