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A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
Cardiac device-related endocarditis complicated by spinal abscess.
Yasser Rodriguez1, Arnold J Greenspon, Muhammad R Sohail
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Cardiac device infections can lead to spinal abscesses. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including device removal, are crucial for managing device-related endocarditis and preventing severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Infective endocarditis is a severe cardiac device infection with potential for metastatic spread.
- The link between device-related endocarditis and spinal abscesses is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cardiac device-related endocarditis and spinal abscess formation.
- To describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with this complication.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital records from three centers (2005-2010).
- Inclusion criteria: confirmed device-related endocarditis (positive blood cultures, echocardiogram findings).
- Identification of six patients with co-existing spinal abscesses.
Main Results:
- Six of 384 (1.5%) patients with device-related endocarditis developed spinal abscesses.
- Common symptoms included fever, malaise, and neurological signs.
- Causative pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci.
- Outcomes varied: two deaths, two with permanent neurological deficits, two recovered fully.
Conclusions:
- Spinal abscesses in patients with bacteremia should prompt consideration of device-related endocarditis.
- Early diagnosis via imaging, antimicrobial therapy, and device removal are critical.
- Timely intervention can reduce mortality and neurological sequelae.
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