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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
Spinal Abscess Caused by Salmonella Bacteremia in a Patient with Primary Myelofibrosis
Shehab Fareed1, Abdulqadir J Nashwan1, Sulieman Abu Jarir2
1Department of Oncology and Hematology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND In Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF; a clonal disorder arising from the neoplastic transformation of early hematopoietic stem cells) patients, spinal cord compression (SCC) is a common complication or even a presentation symptom due to extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). However, a case of SCC caused by a spinal abscess is unusual. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of this rare condition. CASE REPORT We are reporting the case of a 50-year-old male with primary myelofibrosis and long-standing splenomegaly with back pain as a presenting symptom who was found to have spinal cord compression. An MRI was performed, as EMH was suspected. The blood cultures revealed an infection with Salmonella, so the patient was placed on ceftriaxone, with no response. The patient demonstrated substantial clinical improvement after 2 weeks of neurosurgical intervention and pain management. CONCLUSIONS In PMF patients, back pain with fever or mild neurological symptoms needs to be investigated urgently because of the high risk of irreversible spinal cord damage leading to partial or complete loss of functional independence and shortened survival. The compression could be related to EMH or infections due to an immunodeficiency.
Insights
Spinal cord compression in Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) patients is often due to extramedullary hematopoiesis. This case highlights a rare instance of spinal abscess causing compression, emphasizing urgent investigation of back pain in PMF.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder.
- Spinal cord compression (SCC) is a known complication in PMF, often caused by extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH).
- SCC due to spinal abscess is an uncommon presentation in PMF patients.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old male with PMF and splenomegaly presented with back pain and SCC.
- Initial suspicion was EMH, but Salmonella infection was identified via blood cultures.
- The patient did not respond to antibiotics but improved with neurosurgical intervention and pain management.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of SCC caused by a spinal abscess in a patient with PMF.
- Salmonella infection complicated the presentation of SCC in this PMF patient.
- Prompt neurosurgical intervention was crucial for clinical improvement.
Implications:
- Back pain with fever or neurological symptoms in PMF patients warrants urgent investigation due to the risk of irreversible spinal cord damage.
- Differential diagnosis for SCC in PMF should include infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Early detection and management of SCC, regardless of cause (EMH or infection), are vital for preserving function and survival in PMF patients.
