[Spondylodiscitis in Côte d'Ivoire: findings of computed tomography scan in 18 cases]

The aim of this study was to document computed tomography (CT) scan findings and nosological characteristics in patients managed for spondylodiscitis in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This retrospective study was carried out over a two-year period (January 2006 to December 2007). A total of 18 cases of spondylodiscitis assessed in the radiology department of Yopougon Teaching Hospital in Abidjan were included. Mean patient age was 39.4 years. Seven patients (38.9%) had positive HIV serology. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the main causative agent of spondylodiscitis accounting for 94.4% of cases. Only one case (5.6%) of pyogenic spondylodiscitis (staphylococcus aureus) was observed. The upper back was the preferential location (55.6%) of spondylodiscitis. Both discs and vertebral bodies were involved in all cases. Associated manifestations included balance impairment (dorsal kyphosis) (11.2%), soft tissue abscess (44.4%), vertebral compression (11.2%), epiduritis (16.7%), and medullar compression (16.7%). This study shows that CT scan not only plays a decisive role in early positive diagnosis of spondylodiscitis but also contributes to therapy by guiding biopsy to obtain samples necessary to identify the causal germ and assess disco-vertebral involvement. Findings also show that most cases of spondylodiscitis in Abidjan are related to tuberculosis and located in the upper back.