[Candida albicans induced spondylodiscitis of the cervical spine of a polytraumatized patient].

With the increasing occurrence of predisposing factors, invasive candidiasis is being diagnosed more frequently. Based on a review of only a few previous reported cases, we describe and discuss the unusual case of candidal cervical spondylodiscitis in a 36 year old man who had sustained a polytrauma, complicated through a Candida albicans pneumonia. The main symptom was disabling neck pain. Clinical, laboratory and radiological findings were unspecific. The definitive diagnosis was determined by MRI imaging and biopsy. The early diagnosis and surgical treatment with a sufficient debridement and stabilisation of the affected segment combined with a prolonged antifungal therapy lead to good results.