Park J, Park B, Lim JK, Shin KM, Cha JG, Hong J, Kim YS, Park J. Spondylodiscitis initially presenting as exudative pleural effusion: A case report and review of the literature.
Eur J Radiol Open 2020;
7:100279. [PMID:
33102638 PMCID:
PMC7569184 DOI:
10.1016/j.ejro.2020.100279]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleural effusions are associated with a variety of disease states, rendering the differential diagnosis challenging. Spondylodiscitis is an uncommon disease, and its prompt diagnosis can reduce morbidity and mortality. However, an atypical manifestation of the disease, such as pleural effusion, can result in delayed diagnosis. A 76-year-old woman presented with back pain and right pleural effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed paravertebral soft tissue infiltration, with enhancement of bone marrow and intervertebral disk at the T8 and T9 levels, suggesting spondylodiscitis. In patients with exudative pleural effusion, spondylodiscitis may be the cause, so careful analysis of imaging is necessary.
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