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Updated: May 24, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Cervical spinal brucellosis with epidural abscess causing neurologic deficit with negative serologic tests
Kyung-Jin Song1, Sun Jung Yoon, Kwang-Bok Lee
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea.
World Neurosurgery
|March 3, 2012
Summary
This case highlights brucellar cervical spondylodiscitis causing spinal epidural abscess. Diagnosis requires considering tissue cultures when serologic tests are negative for brucellosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Cervical spinal epidural abscess can cause severe neurologic deficits.
- Brucellar spondylodiscitis is a rare but serious condition.
- Negative serologic tests can complicate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male presented with neurologic deficits due to cervical brucellar spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and tissue cultures confirmed the diagnosis.
- The patient underwent surgical drainage, anterior cervical discectomy fusion, and antimicrobial therapy (gentamicin and doxycycline).
Findings:
- One-year follow-up showed solid bone fusion and resolution of the epidural abscess and spinal cord compression.
- The patient recovered from most neurologic deficits, with residual voiding difficulty.
- Blood and tissue cultures are crucial for diagnosing brucellosis when serologic tests are negative.
Implications:
- Clinicians should suspect brucellar cervical spondylodiscitis in patients with epidural abscess and potential exposure history.
- Diagnostic strategies should include both blood and tissue cultures for suspected brucellosis.
- Prompt surgical intervention and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are essential for favorable outcomes.
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