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[Discitis in children. Report of two cases]
L Calisti1, N Giannessi, L Crespin
1Cattedra di Pediatria Preventiva e Sociale, Università degli Studi di Pisa.
Minerva Pediatrica
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Two pediatric cases of intervertebral disk infection were analyzed. Early diagnosis of discitis in children relies on clinical signs, inflammatory markers, and advanced imaging like MRI and bone scans.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Intervertebral disk infection, or discitis, is a rare but serious condition in children.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term spinal complications.
Observation:
- Presents two cases of discitis in 3-year-old boys.
- Clinical presentation included pain, spinal rigidity, and irritability.
- Diagnostic indicators involved low-grade fever, elevated inflammatory markers, and characteristic imaging findings.
Findings:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Technetium 99m polyphosphate bone scanning were instrumental in diagnosis.
- Imaging confirmed suspected discitis in both pediatric patients.
- Differential diagnosis considered various non-spinal conditions mimicking discitis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion for discitis in children presenting with spinal pain.
- Emphasizes the role of advanced imaging in confirming the diagnosis.
- Underscores the need to differentiate discitis from other pediatric illnesses to ensure appropriate management.