Atypical presentation of thoracic spondylodiscitis caused by Streptococcus mitis.
Spondylodiscitis, which is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is an uncommon infection in adults. The diagnosis of spondylodiscitis is often delayed by its vague and non-specific presentations. As part of the normal flora in human mouth and sinuses, Streptococcus mitis is a very rare cause of spondylodiscitis. We report a case of thoracic spondylodiscitis caused by S. mitis in a patient with chronic sinusitis. The patient atypically presented with a sharp chest pain that radiated to the back and the imaging studies were initially negative. He failed outpatient pain management and the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis was confirmed by bone biopsy 6 weeks later. Treatment with antibiotics completely alleviated the pain. Increased awareness and a high index of suspicion are essential for early diagnosis of spondylodiscitis with an atypical presentation.
Department of Internal Medicine, Scottsdale Healthcare, Shea Hospital, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
Vincent P
VP
Cariati
University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
Wu
W
Deng
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015299:Discitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D034361:Streptococcus mitis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014640:Vancomycin; D002443:Ceftriaxone