Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 4, 2026

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

670

Acinetobacter Prevertebral Abscess: Presenting as Dysphagia in a Diabetic Patient

R Manmathan1, T Kumanan2, J A Pradeepan2

  • 1University Medical Unit, Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
|September 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Acinetobacter baumannii rarely causes prevertebral abscesses, a serious infection. This case highlights severe odynophagia as an initial symptom in a diabetic patient, emphasizing unusual presentations of nosocomial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Acinetobacter species are common causes of hospital-acquired infections, especially in intensive care units.
  • Prevertebral abscesses can manifest with odynophagia (painful swallowing) due to retropharyngeal space involvement.
  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for severe infections.

Observation:

  • A patient with uncontrolled diabetes presented with severe odynophagia and dysphagia.
  • Clinical examination revealed a posterior pharyngeal wall bulge, suggestive of a developing abscess.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with a prevertebral abscess.
  • Cultures identified the causative agent as Acinetobacter baumannii, a rare cause of this condition.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare bacterial pathogens in complex infections.
  • Acinetobacter baumannii should be considered in the differential diagnosis of prevertebral abscesses, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
  • Early recognition of unusual symptoms like severe odynophagia is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of prevertebral abscesses.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: A Comprehensive Protocol for Acinetobacter Biofilm Quantification, Assessment, and Visualization07:41

Author Spotlight: A Comprehensive Protocol for Acinetobacter Biofilm Quantification, Assessment, and Visualization

Published on: August 4, 2023

4.4K
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis03:42

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Published on: March 15, 2024

1.2K

Related Concept Videos

Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
3.6K
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
1.1K
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
505
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
5.0K
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.3K
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
5.4K