Aseptic meningitis after microdiscectomy: description of a case and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Aseptic meningitis has rarely been described after spinal surgery. No reports of aseptic meningitis exist after microdiscectomy in the literature.


OBJECTIVE
To report on a case of aseptic meningitis in a patient after undergoing laminotomy and microdiscectomy at L4-L5.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
A case of aseptic meningitis is reported after microdiscectomy at L4-L5 in a 31-year-old man. In this case, a patient underwent L4-L5 laminotomy and microdiscectomy for weakness and pain. He subsequently presented 3 days after with neck pain, photophobia, and fever.


RESULTS
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination subsequently revealed a pattern for aseptic meningitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Presentation of aseptic meningitis after microdiscectomy is a rare but important diagnosis to consider. Examination of CSF is an important procedure to rule out the more dangerous diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.
Todd
Andrew G
AG
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Spine Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. agtodd@hotmail.com
Cammisa
Frank P
FP
Sama
Andrew
A
Girardi
Federico P
FP
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery*; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008582:Meningitis, Aseptic / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis; D008866:Microsurgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents