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Updated: May 16, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Cervical epidural abscess caused by brucellosis
Christos Lampropoulos1, Panagiotis Kamposos, Ioanna Papaioannou
1Parodos Exochis, Nafplion, Greece. christosnina@hotmail.com
BMJ Case Reports
|November 29, 2012
Summary
A 70-year-old woman with fever and back pain was diagnosed with Brucella spondylodiscitis. Antibiotic treatment led to significant symptom improvement, highlighting effective management strategies for this infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Spinal involvement in Brucellosis can lead to serious complications like spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old Greek woman presented with fever, arthralgias, and spinal pain.
- Clinical examination revealed cervical and lumbar spine tenderness with restricted motion.
- Laboratory tests showed elevated inflammatory markers, abnormal liver function, and a positive rheumatoid factor.
Findings:
- Serological tests confirmed Brucella infection.
- Cervical MRI demonstrated an epidural abscess and spondylodiscitis.
- The patient responded well to a 4-month course of streptomycin, rifampicin, and doxycycline.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Brucellosis in patients with unexplained fever and spinal symptoms.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in Brucella spondylodiscitis.
- Multidisciplinary management involving infectious disease, rheumatology, and neurosurgery may be necessary.
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