Multiple abscesses with osteomyelitis and destruction of both the atlas and the axis in a 4-week-old infant

Surgical treatment in primary spinal infections in a pediatric population: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Primary spinal infections (PSIs) are a group of uncommon but serious infectious diseases that are characterized by inflammation of the endplate-disc unit. Pediatric spinal infection is rare and challenging to diagnose due to vague presenting symptoms. Most cases are conservatively managed with surgery rarely indicated. The authors performed a systematic review to study the baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes of pediatric patients with PSIs who underwent surgical treatment.

OBSERVATIONS

PSI in pediatric patients might behave differently in terms of epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes when compared with nonpediatric patients. Overall, PSI ultimately managed surgically in pediatric patients is associated with a high rate of localized pain, neurological compromise, and treatment failure when compared with nonsurgically managed pediatric spinal infections.

LESSONS

PSIs managed surgically in the pediatric population were found to be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 74.4% of cases and were associated with higher rates of localized pain, neurological compromise, and treatment failure than nonsurgically managed pediatric spinal infections. Thoracic involvement (71.8%) in the spinal infection was reported most commonly in our review. When omitting the cases involving M. tuberculosis infection, it was revealed that 50% of the pediatric cases involved infection in the cervical region, suggesting increased severity and disease course of cervical spinal infections in the pediatric population. Surgical treatment is indicated only in cases of severe neurological compromise and treatment failure.

Transoral Mandibular Tongue-Splitting Approach in Upper Cervical Epidural Abscess: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction

The transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach is typically performed for the treatment of upper cervical tumor and instability but has not been performed for the treatment of upper cervical epidural abscess (UCEA). We report the first case of UCEA successfully treated with a transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach.

Technical Note

A 62-year-old man who had medical histories of tracheotomy with intubation and dermatopathy due to radiation therapy for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma presented with neck pain and limb weakness. The imaging examination revealed bone erosion of C2-C4 vertebrae and abscess at the level of C2-C4, supporting a diagnosis of UCEA. The transcervical approach could not be used for treatment; therefore, the transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach was used successfully to perform decompression, debridement, and iliac bone grafting. Subsequently, we reviewed the literature pertaining to the use of the transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach. The approach can be invasive and cause some complications. However, no fatal complications have been reported, and all patients demonstrated a favorable neurological outcome with reduced neurological deficits.

Conclusions

This case and subsequent literature review suggest that the transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach may be effective for the improvement of neurological outcomes without fatal complications in patients with UCEA. There may be an increasing number of patients with UCEA requiring the transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach due to the increasing prevalence of immunocompromized status and the aging population.

Neonatal retropharyngeal abscess with complications: Apnea and cervical osteomyelitis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical presentation and management strategies for neonatal retropharyngeal abscess (RPA).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed, and literature reviewed.

RESULTS

We report two cases of neonatal RPA, with one complicated by cervical osteomyelitis, and the other presenting with apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs). A 6-week-old female underwent transoral drainage of an RPA, which grew methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. She had a prolonged recovery course and was found to have developed osteomyelitis of the dens and atlas. She was treated with 14 weeks of IV antibiotics and rigid collar fixation for spinal cord instability. A 2-month-old female was admitted after multiple ALTEs with episodes of apnea and pallor. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a bulging RPA, which was drained transorally. This grew multiple organisms including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcal oralis and Prevotella species.

CONCLUSIONS

Uncommon in neonates, RPA can present in this age group without fever, and are is likely to have airway complications than in older children. In cases with prolonged recovery, additional diagnostic intervention is recommended to rule out rare complications such as osteomyelitis. Emphasis in such complex cases is placed on a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, coordinating neonatologists, infectious disease specialists, neurosurgeons, and otolaryngologists.

Osteomyelitis of the Odontoid Process in Children: Two Cases and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

To report clinical, laboratory and radiologic manifestations in 2 infants with osteomyelitis of the odontoid process (dens).

BACKGROUND

Vertebral osteomyelitis is uncommon, and osteomyelitis of the dens has rarely been reported in the pediatric population.

METHODS

The medical records of 2 infants diagnosed with dens osteomyelitis were reviewed.

RESULTS

Both infants had fever, which resolved spontaneously before admission. Both were nontoxic appearing with persistent neck stiffness and torticollis. White blood count and C-reactive protein were only mildly elevated in both cases. Blood cultures were sterile. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the diagnosis. They both fully recovered.

CONCLUSIONS

We report 2 cases of dens osteomyelitis. These cases emphasize the need to consider C1-C2 osteomyelitis in the differential diagnosis of neck stiffness and torticollis.

Recent Developments in the Treatment of Spinal Epidural Abscesses

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a serious condition that can be challenging to diagnose due to nonspecific symptomology and delayed presentation. Despite this, it requires prompt recognition and management in order to prevent permanent neurologic sequelae. Several recent studies have improved our understanding of SEA. Herein, we summarize the recent literature from the past 10 years relevant to SEA diagnosis, management and outcome. While surgical care remains the mainstay of treatment, a select subset of SEA patients may be managed without operative intervention. Multidisciplinary management involves internal medicine, infectious disease, critical care, and spine surgeons in order to optimize care.

Odontoid osteomyelitis with atlantoaxial subluxation in an infant

PURPOSE

To report a rare case of odontoid osteomyelitis with atlantoaxial subluxation in a 6-month-old infant.

BACKGROUND

Odontoid osteomyelitis with atlantoaxial subluxation is extremely rare in children. Although several cases have been reported, there have been no studies concerning proper surgical drainage and immobilization in this disease.

METHODS

A 6-month-old infant with odontoid osteomyelitis with atlantoaxial subluxation was surgically treated. The patient underwent a 3-month intravenous and oral antibiotic course and the Minerva body jacket cast was used for 3 months. Follow-up was carried out with computed tomographic scans and a cervical spine dynamogram.

RESULTS

At 18 months post-surgery, the patient had completely recovered with no cervical instability. Computed tomographic scans revealed complete fusion of odontoid synchondrosis. The infant remained asymptomatic with a full range of head movement.

CONCLUSION

Surgical drainage and proper immobilization appears to be a satisfactory treatment for pyogenic osteomyelitis of odontoid synchondrosis secondary to retropharyngeal abscess and atlantoaxial subluxation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Odontoid Osteomyelitis in Children: Illustrative Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Odontoid osteomyelitis is a rare disease which is frequently misdiagnosed as torticollis, leading to a delay in diagnosis. We present 2 illustrative cases and a systematic literature review summarizing previously reported cases. Odontoid osteomyelitis should be considered in children presenting with decreased head movements and with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, particularly without improvement while receiving antiinflammatory treatment. Plain radiographs can be misleading, and magnetic resonance imaging should be performed for better visualization.

A 34-Day-Old With Fever, Cerebrospinal Fluid Pleocytosis, and Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

A 34-day-old previously healthy boy born full term presented to the emergency department with fever at home (38.1°C), fussiness, and decreased oral intake for 1 day. He was difficult to console at home. He had decreased oral intake without emesis, diarrhea, or a change in urine output. He did not have rhinorrhea, cough, or increased work of breathing noted by parents. He lived at home with his parents and 13-year-old brother, did not attend day care, and had no sick contacts. On examination, he was fussy but consolable. He was febrile to 39.3°C, tachycardic (180 beats per minute), and tachypneic (64 breaths per minute), with mottling and a capillary refill of 3 seconds. The remainder of his examination was normal, without an infectious focus for his fever. A complete blood cell count with differential revealed leukocytosis. A basic metabolic panel was normal. A catheter urinalysis was normal. Cerebrospinal fluid examination yielded pleocytosis, low glucose, and elevated protein. Blood cultures were persistently positive with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, but cerebrospinal fluid cultures remained negative. We present his case, management, and ultimate diagnosis.

Bartonella henselae osteoarthritis of the upper cervical spine in a 14-year-old boy

We report a case of Bartonella henselae, an agent of cat scratch disease, C1-C2 osteoarthritis with osteolysis of the lateral mass of C2 in a 14-year-old boy. Oral antibiotics did not successfully treat the infection and surgery was necessary to treat the septic arthritis. The case opens discussion about bacterial osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and bone involvement in disseminated bartonellosis.