Unusual Cause of Back Pain in a Multiple Myeloma Patient: Infectious Discitis

A 58 year old patient, followed up for diabetes mellitus and multiple myeloma for ten years and six months, respectively, presented with persistent back pain, weakness at his lower extremity and intermittent fever. Activation markers of myeloma were in normal limits except high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and elevated C-reactive protein. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased T1 spinal intensity at the suspected disc level. Discitis was suspected on the basis of MRl and high fever. An intraoperative examination of specimens revealed Staphylococcus aureus. Detailed laboratory and radiological investigations should be performed to diagnose unusual causes of persistent back pain, such as discitis in patients with myeloma.