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Iatrogenically induced vertebral osteomyelitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

X Chevalier1, C Lavabre, P Claudepierre

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Creteil, France.

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause iatrogenic vertebral osteomyelitis following medical procedures. Prompt antibiotic treatment successfully cured infections in three reported cases, highlighting this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Vertebral osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection.
  • Iatrogenic causes, or those resulting from medical intervention, are increasingly recognized.
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen.

Observation:

  • Three cases of vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa following medical procedures are presented.
  • Case 1: Post-nucleotomy and herniated disk surgery.
  • Case 2: Epidural catheter infection in a rheumatoid arthritis patient.
  • Case 3: Post-urinary investigation in a prostate cancer patient.

Findings:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be an etiological agent of iatrogenic vertebral osteomyelitis.
  • Infection occurred after diverse iatrogenic maneuvers, including surgical and catheter-related procedures.
  • All three patients achieved cure with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cause vertebral osteomyelitis, beyond more common pathogens like staphylococci.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the differential diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis, especially after invasive procedures.
  • Suggests vigilance for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in patients undergoing urological or spinal interventions.

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