[Infective endocarditis associated with vertebral osteomyelitis: report of two cases]

A 42-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman with infective endocarditis suffered onset of severe back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging and technetium-99 m bone scanning demonstrated osteomyelitis in the lumbar spine which is an unusual complication of infective endocarditis. The man was treated by antibiotics and finally aortic valve replacement and laminectomy with bone grafting. The woman had small patent ductus arteriosus and developed aortic regurgitation, but was treated by antibiotics and corset application with good result. The possibility of osteomyelitis in the lumbar spine should be considered in a patient with endocarditis complaining of severe back pain. The appropriate antibiotic therapy over a prolonged period is recommended.