Case report: Cervical torticollis as a presentation of cervical discitis in an infant.

INTRODUCTION

Cervical torticollis is a relatively common presentation in infants and children, but its broad differentials necessitate thorough evaluation to exclude more serious underlying pathology. Congenital muscular torticollis is the most frequent cause and acquired torticollis may arise from trauma, inflammation, infection or even neoplastic conditions.

CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 10-month old female who developed cervical torticollis without any systemic signs of infection. Inflammatory markers and white cell count were within normal limits. MRI imaging demonstrated T2 hyperintensity at the C3/4 intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies which was suggestive of cervical discitis, a rarer and under-recognised cause of torticollis in infants. After multidisciplinary discussion empirical oral antibiotics were commenced, resulting in rapid clinical improvement. The patient was reviewed in 6 weeks with a follow-up MRI, showing improvement in their condition and completed the 12 week course of antibiotics without any further issues.