title: Cervical osteomyelitis after placement of a self-expanding plastic stent for palliation of dysphagia associated with chemoradiation-induced esophageal strictures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Esophageal strictures are a common sequela of chemoradiation and/or surgery to the head and neck cancers and can lead to stenosis and significant dysphagia. Endoscopic dilation endoscopic and placement of self-expanding stents are often to used relieve dysphagia symptoms. However, these stents are not without risks and complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of a 58-year-old man who had the rare complication of cervical osteomyelitis as a result of plastic esophageal stent placement for palliation of chemoradiation-induced strictures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient was successfully managed with immobilization of the cervical spine in a halo vest and appropriate antibiotics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cervical spine osteomyelitis after self-expanding plastic stent (SEPS) placement for esophageal stricture. It was successfully treated with immobilization and antibiotic therapy. The treating physician should be aware of this rare complication to make an early diagnosis. Literature on esophageal stent-induced cervical osteomyelitis is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Mullen
authors.forename: Anand K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Abhay K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Varma
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000628:therapy; D000077723:Cefepime; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059186:Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D014640:Vancomycin; D000077723:Cefepime