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Published on: September 20, 2018
[Discitis in children. Description of the condition illustrated by two case reports]
Insights
Childhood discitis, a non-infectious disc inflammation, presents with varied symptoms like back pain. Early diagnosis via MRI is key, as initial radiology may be negative, avoiding unnecessary treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Discitis in children is typically a self-limiting, non-infectious inflammation of the intervertebral disc.
- Symptoms are variable, including back pain, gait disturbances, crying, and irritability.
Observation:
- Initial radiological findings can be negative, leading to diagnostic delays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can aid in early diagnosis.
Findings:
- The etiology, symptoms, and treatment of childhood discitis are discussed.
- Two pediatric cases are presented to illustrate the condition.
Implications:
- Awareness of discitis is crucial to prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments.
- Early MRI diagnosis can expedite appropriate management.
- This condition highlights the importance of considering non-infectious inflammatory causes of back pain in children.
Abstract:
Discitis in children is usually a self-limiting and non-infectious inflammation in the intervertebral disc. The symptoms are diffuse and vary from patient to patient; most often back pain, walking difficulties, crying and irritability. Radiology is often negative initially, and there may be a long delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging may help in making an early diagnosis. Treatment is controversial; most authors recommend antibiotics only in special cases. It is important to be aware of the condition in order to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment. We describe two patients, to illustrate the etiology, symptoms and treatment.
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