title: Infectious spondylodiscitis - a case series analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory features as well as diagnostic difficulties in the case series of spondylodiscitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed 11 cases of spondylodiscitis. The diagnosis of spondylodiscitis was based on clinical, radiological and microbiological evidence and by the response to antimicrobial therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 7 men and 4 women, and the age ranged from 21 to 74 years. Risk factors of spondylodiscitis were observed in 7 patients. The approximate time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was from 2 to 7 months (median 45 days). Back pain was the most common symptom. The most frequent location of spondylodiscitis was lumbar spine. Pathogens were isolated in 6 cases and were as follows: Staphylococcus aureus (4 cases), Staphylococcus warneri (1 case) and Escherichia coli (1 case). After therapy, all patients had rapid regression of symptoms and no permanent neurological impairments and recurrence of infection were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diagnosis of spondylodiscitis is frequently delayed. This disease should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis in patients with root syndromes accompanied by back pain and usually fever as well as increased values of CRP and ESR.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. Electronic address: adam.garkowski@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garkowski
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Agata
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zajkowska
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Czupryna
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lebkowski
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Letmanowski
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gołębicki
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moniuszko
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ustymowicz
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Sławomir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pancewicz
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zajkowska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D015299:Discitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Back pain; Infection; Spine; Spondylodiscitis; Vertebral osteomyelitis