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[Infant cervical spondylodiscitis and abscess]

Rita Belo Morais1, Vivian Gonçalves, Inês Pedro

  • 1Serviço de Pediatria, Hospital de S. Francisco Xavier, Lisboa, Portugal.

Acta Medica Portuguesa
|April 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cervical spondylodiscitis is rare. Early investigation of persistent torticollis is crucial for diagnosing this condition in infants, leading to prompt treatment and recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Spinal infections
  • Pediatric neurology

Background:

  • Spondylodiscitis in children is uncommon and presents with vague symptoms.
  • A high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis.

Observation:

  • A nine-month-old infant presented with persistent torticollis, irritability, and anorexia.
  • Initial cervical X-rays were normal; CT revealed cervical spondylodiscitis (C6-C7) with a pre-vertebral abscess.
  • Causative organism was not identified.

Findings:

  • Treatment with systemic antibiotics (vancomycin, gentamicin, metronidazol, followed by flucloxacillin) led to rapid resolution of symptoms and abscess.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging post-treatment showed partial C6-C7 fusion without neurological deficits.

Implications:

  • Cervical spondylodiscitis with abscess is a rare pediatric condition.
  • This case highlights the importance of evaluating acquired torticollis in infants.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for favorable outcomes in pediatric spinal infections.
Abstract

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