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Intervertebral disk-space infection after chymopapain injection.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|April 1, 1985
Summary
Chymopapain injections for herniated lumbar discs can lead to rare disk-space infections. Computed tomography and biopsy confirmed staphylococcal infections in four patients, requiring appropriate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Chymopapain injections were used to treat herniated lumbar discs.
- Persistent low back pain after the procedure raised suspicion of infection.
Observation:
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed vertebral end-plate irregularity and mottled vertebral bodies.
- These findings suggested disk-space infection in all evaluated patients.
Findings:
- CT-guided biopsy confirmed staphylococcal infections in the disk space of all four patients.
- The infections were successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics.
Implications:
- This highlights a rare but serious complication of chymopapain injections.
- Early diagnosis via CT and biopsy is crucial for effective treatment of post-injection diskitis.