Lumbar methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection caused by a peripherally inserted central catheter: A...

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used for administering chemotherapy to breast cancer patients due to their long-term indwelling capability, versatility in drug administration, and flexibility. PICCs infection are a relatively common occurrence, yet there were no reported instances that it can metastasise to the lumbar spine.

This case report describes a breast cancer patient who developed a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus lumbar vertebral infection secondary to a PICC-related infection during chemotherapy. Following PICC removal, bacterial culture confirmed the presence of highly virulent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The patient presented with fever and severe lumbar pain. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed paraspinal muscle edema from L1 to L3 with abnormal signal intensity in the affected regions, suggestive of vertebral osteomyelitis. Prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy based on the culture results led to significant improvement in the patient's lumbar pain.

This case highlights the importance of vigilant infection prevention and control measures to minimize the risk of PICC-related complications, such as bloodstream infections and subsequent metastatic infections.