Cervical Discitis and Epidural Abscess After Tonsillectomy

Cervical Spinal Epidural Abscess: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes: A Case Series and a Literature Review

Although recent diagnostic and management methods have improved the prognosis of cervical epidural abscesses, morbidity and mortality remain significant. The purpose of our study is to define the clinical presentation of cervical spinal epidural abscess, to determine the early clinical outcome of surgical treatment, and to identify the most effective diagnostic and treatment approaches. Additionally, we analyzed studies regarding cervical epidural abscesses and performed a review of the literature. In this study, four patients with spinal epidural abscess were included. There were three men and one woman with a mean age of 53 years. Three patients presented with motor deficits, and one patient was diagnosed incidentally through spinal imaging. All the patients had fever, and blood cultures were positive. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism cultured from abscesses. All patients underwent a surgical procedure, and three patients recovered their normal neurological functions, but one remained with mild neurological disability that was resolved two years postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 12 months, and no deaths occurred in this series. Furthermore, we identified 85 studies in the literature review and extracted data regarding the diagnosis and management of these patients. The timely detection and effective management of this condition are essential for minimizing its associated morbidity and mortality.

Transoral Mandibular Tongue-Splitting Approach in Upper Cervical Epidural Abscess: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Introduction

The transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach is typically performed for the treatment of upper cervical tumor and instability but has not been performed for the treatment of upper cervical epidural abscess (UCEA). We report the first case of UCEA successfully treated with a transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach.

Technical Note

A 62-year-old man who had medical histories of tracheotomy with intubation and dermatopathy due to radiation therapy for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma presented with neck pain and limb weakness. The imaging examination revealed bone erosion of C2-C4 vertebrae and abscess at the level of C2-C4, supporting a diagnosis of UCEA. The transcervical approach could not be used for treatment; therefore, the transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach was used successfully to perform decompression, debridement, and iliac bone grafting. Subsequently, we reviewed the literature pertaining to the use of the transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach. The approach can be invasive and cause some complications. However, no fatal complications have been reported, and all patients demonstrated a favorable neurological outcome with reduced neurological deficits.

Conclusions

This case and subsequent literature review suggest that the transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach may be effective for the improvement of neurological outcomes without fatal complications in patients with UCEA. There may be an increasing number of patients with UCEA requiring the transoral mandibular tongue-splitting approach due to the increasing prevalence of immunocompromized status and the aging population.

Cervical spondylodiscitis following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy: a retrospective case series

PURPOSE

To highlight cervical spondylodiscitis as an infrequent complication following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx in patients previously treated with circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with cervical spondylodiscitis after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy between 2001 and 2013 were retrospectively studied using a questionnaire sent to the French head and neck tumour study group. Medical history; tumour management; clinical symptoms; biological, microbiological and imaging results; and management of the infection were collected for each patient.

RESULTS

Six men aged 51-66 years were diagnosed with spondylodiscitis on average 5.6 years after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy, and a mean 2 months following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx (oesophageal dilatation, phonatory prosthesis insertion). The patients presented with cervical pain and increased CRP level. MRI showed epidural abscess and communication between the pharynx and vertebral bodies in most cases. Microbiological samples yielded bacteria from the pharynx flora. Infection was managed using antibiotics adjusted according to the culture results and spinal immobilisation for duration of 6-12 weeks. No surgical treatment was required. During follow-up, no patient experienced recurrence or residual disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical spondylodiscitis is a rare but potentially severe complication following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy. Therefore, the onset of nonspecific symptoms should not be overlooked, and MRI must be performed if infection is suspected. Microbiological confirmation is critical in optimising treatment, which should be aggressive, even if overall prognosis seems to be good.

Spinal epidural abscess following glossectomy and neck dissection: A case report

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Lumbar spinal epidural abscess is uncommon following head and neck surgery.

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Isolating Klebsiella pneumoniae as the etiologic pathogen is even more rare.

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Early diagnosis is paramount with magnetic resonance imaging being the study of choice.

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The preferred treatment strategy consists of surgical decompression and drainage combined with intravenous antibiotics.

Introduction

Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon but potentially life threatening entity that rarely occurs after otolaryngology procedures.

Presentation of case

We report a case of a diabetic patient who presented with a lumbar spinal epidural abscess eight days after head and neck oncologic surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an L4 spinal epidural abscess. Cultures from the spinal epidural abscess, blood, urine, and the previous neck incision grew Klebsiella pneumoniae. The patient recovered neurologic function after surgical decompression and drainage, long-term intravenous antibiotics, and physical therapy.

Discussion

The development of postoperative spinal epidural abscess is rare after otolaryngology procedures but has been reported in the cervical epidural space. To our knowledge, lumbar spinal epidural abscess has not yet been reported after head and neck oncologic surgery. Even more unique is the presence of the pathogen K. pneumoniae.

Conclusion

A high index of suspicion of this potential outcome is paramount as early recognition and intervention are keys to recovery of neurologic function.

Upper Cervical Epidural Abscess in a Patient With Parkinson Disease: A Case Report and Review

To our knowledge, there are no reports in the literature of patients with Parkinson disease (PD) developing upper cervical spine infections. Our objective is to present a case of upper cervical epidural abscess in a patient with PD and to review upper cervical spine infection. We present the patient's presentation, physical examination, imaging findings, and management as well a review of the literature. A 66-year-old male with PD presented to the emergency department (ED) following referral by a neurologist for a presumed C2 fracture. The preceding history was 1 week of severe neck pain requiring a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which was initially interpreted as a C2 fracture. On admission from the ED, further review of the MRI appeared to show anterior prevertebral abscess and an epidural abscess. The patient's neurological examination was at baseline. In the span of 2 days, the patient developed significant motor weakness. A repeat MRI demonstrated expansion of the epidural collection and spinal cord compression. Surgical management consisting of C1 and C2 laminectomy, irrigation, and debridement from anterior and posterior approaches was performed. Postoperatively, the patient did not recover any motor strength and elected to withdraw care and died. Spinal epidural abscess requires a high index of suspicion and needs prompt recognition to prevent neurological impairment. Upper cervical spine infections are rare but can lead to lethal consequences.

Espondilodiscite atípica

As infecções por Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo correspondem a uma pequena percentagem do total das espondilodiscites piogênicas, estando associados a estados imunocomprometidos. Apresentamos o caso clínico de um homem de 58 anos, com uma espondilodiscite L1-L2, por um micro-organismo bastante atípico, o S. hominis. A resolução da patologia só foi possível após duas cirurgias e terapia com antibióticos específicos.

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis after transoral surgery for oropharyngeal cancer

We report the case of a patient with pyogenic spondylodiscitis after transoral surgery for oropharyngeal cancer. The patient was a 66-year-old man with a history of hepatic cell carcinoma, alcoholic cirrhosis, and chronic pancreatitis. The tumor was resected via a transoral approach with concurrent bilateral elective neck dissections. Although the initial postoperative course was uneventful, the patient experienced severe cervical pain because of which he revisited the hospital. The patient was diagnosed with pyogenic spondylodiscitis, according to the results of magnetic resonance imaging. Continuous treatment with parenteral antibiotics and a cervical brace was required for 2 months before all his symptoms and signs diminished. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pyogenic spondylodiscitis as a complication of transoral resection for head and neck cancer.