An Extremely Rare Case of Upper Thoracic Salmonella Infection.

BACKGROUND

Vertebral osteomyelitis is rare. Finding the right etiological agent is important to administer antibiotic regimen accordingly. The occurrence of this disease in endemic countries raises the susceptibility of a more common infection such as tuberculosis and pyogenic bacteria. Salmonella spp. infection is also common in endemic countries; however, extra-intestinal manifestation is very rare.

METHODS

We present an extremely rare case of salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis (SVO) in the upper thoracic vertebrae of a 64-year-old patient with history of cardiac surgery and other pre-existing comorbidities. SVO was treated by antibiotics, surgical debridement and spinal stabilization.

RESULTS

Three weeks after surgery and intravenous antibiotics, the patient recovered and was discharged without fever and back pain, with excellent motoric improvement.

CONCLUSION

Salmonella infection must be considered to be one of possible etiological agents in patients with suggestive spondylitis in emerging countries, especially in those with comorbidities.