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Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Incidence and outcome of patients suffering from meningitis due to spondylodiscitis
Insa K Janssen1,2, Yu-Mi Ryang3,2, Maria Wostrack2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpitaux Universitaires Genève, Rue Gabrielle-Perret Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
Introduction:
Meningitis is a rare but severe complication in patients with spondylodiscitis. Data about the incidence and clinical management are rare.
Research Question:
Aim of this study was to assess the incidence, clinical course and outcome of patients suffering from meningitis due to spondylodiscitis.
Material And Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis of our prospective clinical database that included all patients suffering from spondylodiscitis between January 2010 and December 2019 were included. We assessed clinical findings, laboratory tests, treatment and outcome comparing patients with and without meningitis.
Results:
Out of 469 patients suffering from spondylodiscitis, 30 patients (14 female) were diagnosed with an associated meningitis (6.4%). The mean CSF cell count was 3375.85 ± 8486.78/μl (range 32-41500/μl). The mean age at presentation was 70.87 ± 8.84 yrs (range 48-88 yrs). Mean C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) counts at time of admission were statistically higher in patients with associated meningitis (CRP: 19.81 ± 12.56 mg/dl vs. 11.63 ± 11.08 mg/dl, p = 0.001; WBC: 14.67 ± 7.76 g/l vs. 10.88 ± 05.11 g/l, p = 0.005. Mortality was also higher, as 13.3% and 7.1% of patients with and without concomitant meningitis died, respectively.
Conclusion:
Bacterial meningitis due to spondylodiscitis is a rare but severe condition and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. In patients with spondylodiscitis presenting with an altered state of consciousness an associated meningitis should be ruled out.
Insights
Meningitis complicating spondylodiscitis is rare but severe, affecting 6.4% of patients. This condition increases the risk of mortality, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Spondylodiscitis, an infection of the spine, can lead to rare but severe complications like meningitis.
- Limited data exists on the incidence and clinical management of meningitis in spondylodiscitis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of meningitis in patients with spondylodiscitis.
- To analyze the clinical course, and outcomes of spondylodiscitis patients with associated meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a prospective clinical database from January 2010 to December 2019.
- Inclusion of all patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis.
- Comparison of clinical findings, laboratory tests, treatment, and outcomes between patients with and without meningitis.
Main Results:
- 30 out of 469 spondylodiscitis patients (6.4%) developed meningitis.
- Patients with meningitis showed higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) counts.
- Mortality rates were higher in patients with concomitant meningitis (13.3%) compared to those without (7.1%).
Conclusions:
- Bacterial meningitis secondary to spondylodiscitis is a severe condition with increased morbidity and mortality.
- Altered consciousness in spondylodiscitis patients warrants investigation for associated meningitis.
