Paraplegia caused by spinal infection after acupuncture

Identification of pathogen composition in a Chinese population with iatrogenic and native vertebral osteomyelitis by using mNGS

BACKGROUND

Early antimicrobial therapy is crucial regarding the prognosis of vertebral osteomyelitis, but early pathogen diagnosis remains challenging.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to differentiate the types of pathogens in iatrogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (IVO) and native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO) to guide early antibiotic treatment.

METHODS

A total of 145 patients, who had confirmed spinal infection and underwent metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) testing, were included, with 114 in the NVO group and 31 in the IVO group. Using mNGS, we detected and classified 53 pathogens in the 31 patients in the IVO group and 169 pathogens in the 114 patients in the NVO group. To further distinguish IVO from NVO, we employed machine learning algorithms to select serum biomarkers and developed a nomogram model.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the proportion of the Actinobacteria phylum in the NVO group was approximately 28.40%, which was significantly higher than the 15.09% in the IVO group. Conversely, the proportion of the Firmicutes phylum (39.62%) in the IVO group was markedly increased compared to the 21.30% in the NVO group. Further genus-level classification demonstrated that Staphylococcus was the most common pathogen in the IVO group, whereas Mycobacterium was predominant in the NVO group. Through LASSO regression and random forest algorithms, we identified 5 serum biomarkers including percentage of basophils (BASO%), percentage of monocytes (Mono%), platelet volume (PCT), globulin (G), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) for distinguishing IVO from NVO. Based on these biomarkers, we established a nomogram model capable of accurately discriminating between the two conditions.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study hold promise in providing valuable guidance to clinical practitioners for the differential diagnosis and early antimicrobial treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis.

Aspergillus terreus spondylodiscitis following acupuncture and acupotomy in an immunocompetent host: case report and literature review

Aspergillus terreus is a fungus responsible for various infections in human beings; however, spine involvement is uncommon. Herein, we report a case of A. terreus spondylodiscitis following acupuncture and acupotomy in an immunocompetent Chinese patient. Admission lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed infection at the L4/5 level without significant vertebral destruction. After unsuccessful symptomatic and anti-tuberculosis treatments, A. terreus was identified through culture, microscopy of isolate, histological examination and VITEK system. Intravenous voriconazole was then given; however, the patient's spinal condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in evident destruction of the L4/5 vertebral bodies. Surgeries including L4/5 intervertebral disc debridement, spinal canal decompression, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with allogeneic fibula ring fusion cages, and posterior pedicle screw fixation were then performed. Imaging findings at one-month and six-month follow-up suggested that the patient was successfully treated. This case highlighted two important points: firstly, although acupuncture and acupotomy are generally regarded as safe conservative treatments for pain management, they can still lead to complications such as fungal spinal infection. Therefore, vigilance is necessary when considering these treatments; secondly, PLIF with allogeneic fibula ring fusion cages may be beneficial for A. terreus spondylodiscitis patients with spinal instability.

Safety Considerations When Dry Needling the Multifidi in the Thoracolumbar Region: A Cadaveric Study

Background

Dry needling the lumbar multifidi is a technique used by physical therapists to effectively treat low back pain. While studies have examined the safety considerations in the upper lumbar spine related to the kidneys and lungs, none have investigated the possibility of entering the spinal canal in this region.

Purpose

The purpose of this cadaveric ultrasound-guided dry needling exploration was to determine if a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum at the T12/L1 interspace and enter the spinal canal using a paramedian approach in a fresh-frozen, lightly fixed cadaver in the prone position.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Methods

The procedure was performed on a cadaver in the prone position. The needle was advanced under ultrasound guidance to determine if a 0.30 x 50 mm dry needle inserted 1.0 cm lateral to the spinous process of T12 and directed medially at a 22-degree angle could penetrate the ligamentum flavum and enter the spinal canal.

Results

As determined via ultrasound, a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum and enter the spinal canal at the thoracolumbar junction using this technique.

Conclusion

This interprofessional collaboration demonstrates that a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum to enter the spinal canal at T12/L1 using a documented technique for dry needling the multifidus. A thorough understanding of human anatomy along with the incorporation of available technology, such as ultrasound, may decrease the risk of adverse events when dry needling the multifidi at the thoracolumbar junction.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.

Septic Shock From Pan-Spinal Epidural Abscess Attributed to Recent Acupuncture and Trigger Point Injections for Acute Lower Back Pain in a Previously Undiagnosed Diabetic Patient: A Case Report

Epidural abscesses can lead to devastating neurological consequences if not diagnosed and managed in a timely manner, especially in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus who presented to the hospital with a complaint of progressive altered mental status for the past two days. Eight days prior to presentation, the patient tripped over a pillow at home and developed mildly nagging, acute lower back pain. Upon the recommendation of her friends, she underwent two sessions of acupuncture around the lumbar area on days six and five prior to being brought to the hospital. She also saw her primary care physician on day three prior to presentation, who performed a history and physical examination and, after feeling that she did not have any red flags, empirically administered lidocaine-based trigger point injections near the same lumbar areas with the patient's consent. On the day of presentation, the patient fell at home and was unable to walk, after which she was immediately brought to the hospital, where she demonstrated toxic metabolic encephalopathy due to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and lower extremity paraplegia. Emergent imaging revealed a pan-spinal epidural abscess (PSEA) after an attempted lumbar puncture led to immediate pus in the syringe. Diagnosing an epidural abscess can be difficult as signs and symptoms can mimic other conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, and stroke. High suspicion on the physician's end is needed when a patient presents with acute back pain, fevers, and neurological deterioration if the condition is otherwise unexplained, and especially in the presence of risk factors for PSEA that may be recognized only upon presentation.

Removal of a migrated acupuncture needle from the cervical spinal canal with removal confirmation by cone-beam computed tomography in a hybrid operating room

Background

Acupuncture has become one of the most popular alternative medical treatments in the world. However, if the needle is inserted incorrectly into the body, various adverse events can occur and, in such cases, the needle should be removed. Acupuncture needles are very thin and fragile, making them difficult to detect and to confirm breakage or residual needle fragments during surgery. We report a case of a patient's self-placed acupuncture needle migrating into the cervical spinal canal and its surgical removal. We used cone-beam computed tomography in the hybrid operating room to confirm that the needle was removed in its entirety.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old man presented with neck pain and gait disturbance.While he was self-acupuncturing, an acupuncture needle accidentally broke, and the remaining part of the needle penetrated and made contact with the cervical spinal cord. Cervical spine radiographs showed a metallic foreign body between the C1 and C2 spinous processes in the direction of the anterior cervical spine. Computed tomography images revealed that the acupuncture needle was penetrating the spinal canal and was in contact with the cervical cord. The acupuncture needle was removed under general anesthesia. The use of cone-beam computed tomography in the hybrid operating room allowed intraoperative confirmation that there was no breakage during needle removal, and no needle fragments were left behind. His symptoms disappeared without any complications after the operation.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the removal of an acupuncture needle that migrated into the cervical spinal canal using cone-beam computed tomography in a hybrid operating room. Intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography is useful in patients with small, fragile foreign bodies for confirmation of the location of the object and to check for the presence of residual fragments.

Surgery combined with antibiotics for thoracic vertebral Escherichia coli infection after acupuncture: A case report

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture is relatively popular worldwide, but an unregulated operation can easily lead to infections. The purpose of this report was to analyze a clinical case of surgery combined with the use of antibiotics for the treatment of thoracic vertebral infection by Escherichia coli (E. coli) after acupuncture.

CASE SUMMARY

A 63-year-old male was diagnosed with E. coli infection in the thoracic vertebra after acupuncture. His fever and pain did not improve after treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics for 10 d. Thus, debridement of the infected area and biopsy were decided. The final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of vertebral infection by E. coli. The patient underwent anterior and posterior thoracic vertebral debridement and internal fixation surgery combined with the use of sensitive antibiotics. He had no fever or backache 3 mo postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

In this report, we first considered antibiotic treatment for the patient with septic spinal infection, but the effect was not obvious. Interventional surgery was combined with the use of sensitive antibiotics to relieve backache, and good clinical results were achieved. Furthermore, acupuncture practitioners should pay attention to hygienic measures.

Acupuncture-Induced Cranial Epidural Abscess: Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture is a common form of alternative medicine that is used for pain control among other modalities of treatment. It is a relatively safe procedure, but complications, including those of infectious etiology, may still occur.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 47-year-old immunosuppressed woman presented with fever, altered level of consciousness, dysphasia, and a left occipital subgaleal fluctuant mass after acupuncture for headaches in the same area. Imaging demonstrated subgaleal and epidural collection localized in the left occipital region. She underwent urgent surgical evacuation of both collections. Cultures from intraoperative specimens grew Streptococcus anginosus. The patient started targeted antibiotic treatment leading to complete recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of intracranial abscess after acupuncture. Given the worldwide application of this alternative treatment, physicians, acupuncturists, and the general public should be aware of the possibility of this rare but serious complication.

Infectious Adverse Events Following Acupuncture: Clinical Progress and Microbiological Etiology

BACKGROUND

We investigated the clinical progress and bacteriological characteristics of infectious adverse events (AEs) following acupuncture and compared patient characteristics between serious and non-serious outcome groups.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted in 1,174 patients with infectious complications associated with acupuncture at the emergency department (ED) in a tertiary hospital in Korea between 2010 and 2014. Serious outcome was defined as development of septic shock, admission to intensive care unit (ICU) or attaining permanent morbidity.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients had certain causality and cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis and osteomyelitis were common in order. Among them, 9 patients (18.8%) were categorized into serious outcome group, and they showed devastating outcomes such as septic shock (n = 2), ICU admission (n = 4), and permanent sequelae (n = 5). The serious group had delayed admission to the ED after acupuncture (30.0 [4.0-55.0] vs. 3.0 [1.0-10.0] days, P = 0.023). Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently identified microorganism. The patients in the serious group required longer treatment duration (139.0 [49.0-183.5] vs. 14.0 [7.0-34.0] days, P < 0.001) as well as more operation with local (44.4% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.031) or general anaesthesia (33.3% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

The infectious AEs after acupuncture may cause serious outcomes. Patients and primary physicians should be aware of the risk of infectious complications and make efforts to prevent them.

Cervical epidural analgesia complicated by epidural abscess: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon complication in clinical practice. If the abscess is large enough, the patient will rapidly develop neurologic signs of spinal injury, and urgent neurosurgical intervention may be required.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Rapid and correct diagnosis and treatment is important for spinal epidural abscess complication.

DIAGNOSES

This report describes a cervical epidural abscess (CEA) caused by epidural analgesia, wherein the patient was punctured twice. A CEA was suspected based on the patient's significant neck pain and elevated white blood cell and neutrophil counts. A CEA from C6 to T8 was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging scan.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with a combination of intravenous vancomycin and imipenem/cilastatin for more than 4 weeks.

OUTCOMES

After more than 2 weeks of intensive antibiotic treatment, the epidural abscess gradually diminished in size, the white blood cell count, neutrophil count, hyperallergic C-reactive protein (CRP), and general CRP decreased, and the patient's neck and back pain resolved. After more than 4 weeks of anti-inflammation therapy, the epidural abscess was completely absorbed, and there was no relapse during the 3-month follow-up period.

LESSONS

Although an effective combination of intravenous antibiotics can cure an epidural abscess, caution is warranted when performing epidural steroid injections in immunocompromised patients.

Thoracic Spondylodiscitis Epidural Abscess in an Afebrile Navy Veteran: A Case Report

Objective

The purpose of this case study was to describe the differential diagnosis of a thoracic epidural abscess in a Navy veteran who presented to a chiropractic clinic for evaluation and management with acupuncture within a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Clinical Features

An afebrile 59-year-old man with acute thoracic spine pain and chronic low back pain presented to the chiropractic clinic at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center for consideration for acupuncture treatment.

Intervention and Outcome

The veteran elected to trial acupuncture once per week for 4 weeks. A routine thoracic magnetic resonance imaging scan without gadolinium detected a space-occupying lesion after the patient failed to attain 50% reduction of pain within 2 weeks with conservative care. The patient was diagnosed with a multilevel thoracic spondylodiscitis epidural abscess and was treated same day with emergency debridement and laminectomy of T7-8 with a T6-9 fusion. The patient had complete recovery without neurological compromise and completed an antibiotic regimen for 6 weeks.

Conclusion

A Navy veteran with acute thoracic spine and chronic low back pain appeared to respond initially but failed to achieve clinically meaningful outcomes. Follow-up advanced imaging detected a thoracic spondylodiscitis epidural abscess. Early diagnosis and immediate intervention are important to preserving neurological function and limiting morbidity in cases of spondylodiscitis epidural abscess.

A rare case of multiple spinal epidural abscesses and cauda equina syndrome presenting to the emergency department following acupuncture

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine being increasingly used as complementary therapy in many countries. It is relatively safe and rarely associated with deep infections.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this case report, we describe a middle-aged Chinese patient who presented acutely to our emergency department with cauda equina syndrome secondary to acupuncture-related epidural abscesses, which were treated with surgical decompression and intravenous antibiotics. We also present a review of case reports of this rare condition in available literature.

CONCLUSION

Emergency physicians should be aware that spinal abscesses may occur after acupuncture, with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. If a history of recent acupuncture over the symptomatic area is elicited, a high index of suspicion should be maintained and appropriate imaging performed to establish the diagnosis. Treatment is directed by a number of factors, such as severity and duration of neurological deficit and progression of symptoms.

Upper Cervical Epidural Abscess in Clinical Practice: Diagnosis and Management

Study Design Narrative review. Objective Upper cervical epidural abscess (UCEA) is a rare surgical emergency. Despite increasing incidence, uncertainty remains as to how it should initially be managed. Risk factors for UCEA include immunocompromised hosts, diabetes mellitus, and intravenous drug use. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature including the history, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of UCEA. Methods Using PubMed, studies published prior to 2015 were analyzed. We used the keywords "Upper cervical epidural abscess," "C1 osteomyelitis," "C2 osteomyelitis," "C1 epidural abscess," "C2 epidural abscess." We excluded cases with tuberculosis. Results The review addresses epidemiology, etiology, imaging, microbiology, and diagnosis of this condition. We also address the nonoperative and operative management options and the relative indications for each as reviewed in the literature. Conclusion A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this rare condition with magnetic resonance imaging being the imaging modality of choice. There has been a shift toward surgical management of this condition in recent times, with favorable outcomes.

Atlanto-Axial Infection after Acupuncture

A 67-year-old man presented with neck cellulitis following acupuncture for cervical spondylosis. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Increased neck pain and bacteraemia prompted MRI, which showed atlanto-axial septic arthritis without signs of infection of the tissues between the superficial cellulitic area and the atlanto-axial joint, thus making direct extension of infection unlikely. It is more likely that haematogenous spread of infection resulted in seeding in the atlanto-axial joint, with the proximity of the arthritis and acupuncture site being coincidental. Acupuncture is a treatment option for some indolent pain conditions. As such, acupuncture services are likely to be more frequently utilised. A history of acupuncture is rarely requested by the admitting doctor and seldom offered voluntarily by the patient, especially where the site of infection due to haematogenous spread is distant from the needling location. Awareness of infectious complications following acupuncture can reduce morbidity through early intervention.

Lumbar spine osteomyelitis and epidural abscess formation secondary to acupuncture

A 39-year-old male with no previous medical history presented with abdominal and low back pain. Based on clinical and radiological findings he was diagnosed with L1/L2 osteomyelitis and epidural abscess. Further history taking revealed recent use of acupuncture for treatment of mechanical back pain. The patient was treated conservatively with an extended course of antibiotics, monitored with repeat MRI scans and had a full recovery with no neurological deficit. This is the first reported case of epidural abscess formation and osteomyelitis after acupuncture in the UK. As acupuncture becomes more commonly used in western countries, it is important to be aware of this rare but serious complication.

Evaluation and management of spinal epidural abscess

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon and potentially catastrophic condition. SEA often presents a diagnostic challenge, as the "classic triad" of fever, spinal pain, and neurological deficit is evident in only a minority of patients. When diagnosis is delayed, irreversible neurological damage may ensue. To minimize morbidity, an appropriate level of suspicion and an understanding of the diagnostic evaluation are essential. Infection should be suspected in patients presenting with axial pain, fever, or elevated inflammatory markers. Although patients with no known risk factors can develop SEA, clinical concern should be heightened in the presence of diabetes, intravenous drug use, chronic renal failure, immunosuppressant therapy, or a recent invasive spine procedure. When the clinical profile is consistent with the diagnosis of SEA, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal column should be obtained on an emergent basis to delineate the location and neural compressive effect of the abscess. Rapid diagnosis allows for efficient treatment, which optimizes the potential for a positive outcome.

Atlanto-axial infection after acupuncture

A 67-year-old man presented with neck cellulitis following acupuncture for cervical spondylosis. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Increased neck pain and bacteraemia prompted MRI, which showed atlanto-axial septic arthritis without signs of infection of the tissues between the superficial cellulitic area and the atlanto-axial joint, thus making direct extension of infection unlikely. It is more likely that haematogenous spread of infection resulted in seeding in the atlanto-axial joint, with the proximity of the arthritis and acupuncture site being coincidental. Acupuncture is a treatment option for some indolent pain conditions. As such, acupuncture services are likely to be more frequently utilised. A history of acupuncture is rarely requested by the admitting doctor and seldom offered voluntarily by the patient, especially where the site of infection due to haematogenous spread is distant from the needling location. Awareness of infectious complications following acupuncture can reduce morbidity through early intervention.

The Reporting Quality of Acupuncture-Related Infections in Korean Literature: A Systematic Review of Case Studies

Objective. Acupuncture is generally accepted as a safe intervention when it is administered in appropriate clinical setting by well-educated and experienced practitioners. In this study, we reviewed observational studies on adverse events (AEs) or complications relevant to acupuncture practice in Korean literature for assessing their reporting quality and suggested recommendations for future ones on acupuncture-related infections. Method. Electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, Korean studies Information Service System, DBpia, National Digital Science Library, and Korean National Assembly Library were searched until May 2015. Combination of keywords including "acupuncture" and "infection" were used for searching databases. Result. A total of 23 studies from 2,739 literature articles were identified from electronic database searching until May 2015. From this review, we found that most case studies did not report enough information for judging causality between acupuncture and the AEs (or complications) as well as appropriateness of the acupuncture practice. In addition, acupuncture experts rarely participated in the reporting of these AEs (or complications). Conclusion. Based on these limitations, we suggest a tentative recommendation for future case studies on acupuncture-related infection. We hope that this recommendation would contribute to the improvement of the reporting quality of acupuncture-related AEs (or complications) in the future.

Retrospective study using MRI to measure depths of acupuncture points in neck and shoulder region

OBJECTIVES

There are safety issues associated with acupuncture treatment. Previous studies regarding needling depth of acupuncture points revealed inconsistent results due to vague depth definition, acupuncture point localisation and measuring tools. The objective of this study is to find and compare the differences of the mean depths of 11 acupuncture points in the neck and shoulder region between subjects, with variables including gender and body mass index (BMI).

SETTING

This study was conducted at a single medical center in Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred and ninety-four participants were included in this study. Participants were grouped according to gender and BMI. Acupuncture points were localised by WHO standard and measured by MRI.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The distance from the needle insertion point (surface of the skin) to any tissues that would cause possible/severe complications.

RESULTS

Mean depths of 11 points were obtained in groups of different BMI and gender. Mean depths of all participants regardless of BMI and gender are as follows, in centimetres: GB21=5.6, SI14=5.2, SI15=8.8, GV15=4.9, GV16=4.6, GB20=5.0, ST9=1.6, SI16=1.8, SI17=2.4, TE16=3.1, LI18=1.3. Participants with higher BMI had greater measured depths in both gender groups. Male participants had larger mean depths than female participants regardless of BMI except in SI17 and LI18. When taking BMI into consideration, depths in male participants are greater than in female participants in most of the points except the following: GB21, TE16 in obesity group; ST9 in underweight and obesity group; SI16 in ideal body weight, overweight and obesity group; SI17, LI18 in each group.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with higher BMI had greater measured depths and males tended to have greater depths in most of the points. Clinical practitioners are recommended to consider this information to prevent complications when applying acupuncture treatment to their patients.

L5-S1 Achromobacter xylosoxidans infection secondary to oxygen-ozone therapy for the treatment of lumbosacral disc herniation: a case report and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN

Case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE

To present a unique case of Achromobacter xylosoxidans infection secondary to oxygen-ozone therapy for the treatment of L5-S1 disc herniation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Oxygen-ozone therapy is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of lumbar disc herniations, with unproven efficacy and few reported complications. Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an opportunistic pathogen that inhabits aquatic environments and is a rare cause of osteomyelitis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. xylosoxidans spondylodiscitis in the lumbar spine and the third report of spinal infection after intradiscal oxygen-ozone chemonucleolysis in the English literature.

METHODS

The medical records, operative reports, and radiographical imaging studies of a single patient were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A 29-year-old female patient who previously underwent oxygen-ozone therapy for L5-S1 disc herniation presented to our institution with a 5-month history of intractable back and leg pain. The patient's laboratory studies were within normal limits and did not indicate signs of an active infection. Her physical examination revealed globally decreased muscle strength (4/5) and hyperesthesia in the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed severe disc degeneration and vertebral body endplate changes at L5-S1, in addition to paravertebral soft tissue swelling consistent with a previous infection. Given the severity of symptoms, the patient underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior segmental instrumentation at L5-S1. Histopathological evaluation of the disc material confirmed the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis and septic discitis at L5-S1. Intraoperative cultures grew A. xylosoxidans and Propionibacterium acnes. The patient had prompt improvement in her level of pain and was discharged on a 6-week course of piperacillin-tazobactam without complication.

CONCLUSION

This first report of A. xylosoxidans vertebral infection secondary to oxygen-ozone therapy illustrates the wide variety of environmental pathogens that can complicate the percutaneous treatment of degenerative vertebral disease.

Serratia marcescens spinal epidural abscess formation following acupuncture

The formation of spinal epidural abscess following acupuncture is very rare. We herein report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with progressive low back pain and fever with a root sign. She underwent surgical decompression, with an immediate improvement of the low back pain. A culture of the epidural abscess grew Serratia marcescens. One year postoperatively, magnetic resonance imaging revealed the almost complete eradication of the abscess. This case is the first case of Serratia marcescens-associated spinal epidural abscess formation secondary to acupuncture. The characteristics of spinal epidural abscess that develop after acupuncture and how to prevent such complications are also discussed.

Adverse events of acupuncture: a systematic review of case reports

Acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping, important in traditional Eastern medicine, are increasingly used in the West. Their widening acceptance demands continual safety assessment. This review, a sequel to one our team published 10 years ago, is an evaluation of the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) reported for acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping between 2000 and 2011. Relevant English-language reports in six databases were identified and assessed by two reviewers. During this 12-year period, 117 reports of 308 AEs from 25 countries and regions were associated with acupuncture (294 cases), moxibustion (4 cases), or cupping (10 cases). Country of occurrence, patient's sex and age, and outcome were extracted. Infections, mycobacterial, staphylococcal, and others, were the main complication of acupuncture. In the previous review, we found the main source of infection to be hepatitis, caused by reusable needles. In this review, we found the majority of infections to be bacterial, caused by skin contact at acupoint sites; we found no cases of hepatitis. Although the route of infection had changed, infections were still the major complication of acupuncture. Clearly, guidelines such as Clean Needle Technique must be followed in order to minimize acupuncture AEs.

Acupuncture: does it alleviate pain and are there serious risks? A review of reviews

Acupuncture is commonly used for pain control, but doubts about its effectiveness and safety remain. This review was aimed at critically evaluating systematic reviews of acupuncture as a treatment of pain and at summarizing reports of serious adverse effects published since 2000. Literature searches were carried out in 11 databases without language restrictions. Systematic reviews were considered for the evaluation of effectiveness and case series or case reports for summarizing adverse events. Data were extracted according to predefined criteria. Fifty-seven systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Four were of excellent methodological quality. Numerous contradictions and caveats emerged. Unanimously positive conclusions from more than one high-quality systematic review existed only for neck pain. Ninety-five cases of severe adverse effects including 5 fatalities were included. Pneumothorax and infections were the most frequently reported adverse effects. In conclusion, numerous systematic reviews have generated little truly convincing evidence that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain. Serious adverse effects continue to be reported. Numerous reviews have produced little convincing evidence that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain. Serious adverse events, including deaths, continue to be reported.

Klebsiella pneumoniae-associated vertebral osteomyelitis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We report a case of a patient who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and subsequently developed Klebsiella pneumoniae-associated vertebral osteomyelitis after 2 months. Development of vertebral osteomyelitis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy has never been reported previously. Diagnosis was made via magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics and had a complete recovery with no neurologic sequelae.

Polyarticular Septic Arthritis with Bilateral Psoas Abscesses following Acupuncture

We report a case of polyarticular septic arthritis with bilateral psoas abscesses. A 50-year-old woman was admitted with fever, multiple joint swelling and pain. She had a clinical history of acupuncture therapy for treatment of her chronic lower back pain two days before the appearance of her symptoms. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from blood culture, knee joint fluids and psoas abscess. After a long course of antibiotics for 70 days together with drainage of the abscess, the condition completely resolved. The acupuncture is the probable cause of the infection, and this case report reveals the importance of asking about a clinical history of acupuncture treatment and of making repeated bacterial examinations in undiagnosed polyarthritis patients.

Acupuncture needles causing lumbar cerebrospinal fluid fistula

✓Acupuncture is a frequently used adjuvant treatment for chronic pain conditions. The authors report the case of a patient in whom the delayed migration of embedded acupuncture needles into the lumbar spinal canal caused the formation of a cerebrospinal fluid fistula and spine-related headache. The needles were safely removed surgically and the patient improved clinically.

Fulminating septicemia secondary to oxygen-ozone therapy for lumbar disc herniation: case report

STUDY DESIGN

A case report and clinical discussion.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare but fatal complication secondary to oxygen-ozone therapy for the treatment of herniated lumbar disc.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previously reported complications secondary to oxygen-ozone therapy are rarely reported. Septic discitis and epidural abscesses have been reported after myelography, lumbar puncture, paravertebral injections, epidural anesthesia, acupuncture, and intradiscal therapy with chymopapain. We report the first case of a local infection with systemic fatal dissemination secondary to this treatment.

METHODS

A 57-year-old man previously treated with oxygen-ozone therapy presented low back and bilateral pain. The lumbar computed tomography revealed the presence of L4-L5 and L5-S1 herniated discs.

RESULTS

Three days after admission in the hospital, the patient developed a fulminant septicemia. An abdominal-pelvic and chest computed tomography and blood culture led to the diagnosis of pyogenic lumbar muscle involvement, accompanied with septic pulmonary embolism secondary to Escherichia coli infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report identifies a rare and fatal complication of oxygen-ozone therapy in the treatment of a herniated lumbar disc. Acute fatal septicemia should be considered among the major complications of the oxygen-ozone therapy in the treatment of a herniated lumbar disc.