Weekly Case

Title : Case 625

Age / Sex : 53 / F


Chief complaint : low back pain

What is your diagnosis?

Two weeks later, you can see the final diagonosis with a brief discussion of this case (Please submit only one answer).

Courtesy : Ji Hyun Hong, Kangdong Seong-Sim Hospital



Discussion


Answer: Emphysematous osteomyelitis


 


Findings:


Coronal and sagittal CT scans show extensive intraosseous gas within the L5 body and sacrum. Intraosseous gas shows a bubble-like appearance. Epidural collection of air densities is seen from L5 to S1 on the sagittal CT scan. Axial CT scan reveals that air densities extend into the prevertebral space and retroperitoneum.


Contrast enhanced fat suppressed T1-weighted coronal image shows a non-enhancing area due to intraosseous gas within the L5 vertebral body and sacrum. Contrast enhanced fat suppressed T1-weighted sagittal image reveals an epidural abscess with hypointense foci of air from L4 to S1, resulting in central canal narrowing.


 


Differential Diagnosis: None


 


Discussion:


Emphysematous osteomyelitis is a rare phenomenon. Intraosseous gas in the extra-axial skeleton is rare and pathognomonic for emphysematous osteomyelitis. Intraosseous gas within the axial skeleton can be seen due to various causes including biopsy, penetrating injury, fracture, osteonecrosis, degenerative disease, neoplasm, and infection. Gas shadows in emphysematous osteomyelitis are non-localized, extensively distributed, and have a bubble-like appearance. Gas shadows usually extend into the epidural space, paravertebral space, or retroperitoneum.


 


The mechanism of infection is most commonly by hematogenous spread but may also relate to spread from an intra-abdominal source, from a skin or soft tissue infection, or after intra-abdominal or spinal surgery. Causative organisms include anaerobes and members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and malignant tumor, are common predisposing factors.


 


Emphysematous osteomyelitis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Aggressive antimicrobial therapy is required, and empirical therapy should be considered.


 


References:


Larsen J, Muhlbauer J, Wigger T, Bardosi A. Emphysematous osteomyelitis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2015;15:486.


McDonnell O, Khaleel Z. Emphysematous osteomyelitis. JAMA Neurol. 2014;71:512


Mahesh B, Upendra B, Vijay S, Arun Kumar G, Reddy S. Emphysematous osteomyelitis-A rare cause of gas in spine-A case report. J Spine. 2016;5:2.



Correct Answer
Total applicants 28 Correct answers 25
Name Institution
이규정 고대안암병원, 전문의
윤유성 순천향대 부천병원, 전문의
이준영 전공의
강지희 서울대학교병원, 전문의
김기욱 국군대전병원, 전문의
손상욱 군의관, 전문의
한유비 병무청, 전문의
이혜란 전문의
신재환 국군춘천병원, 전문의
김창현 365병원, 전문의
박병진 국군강릉병원, 전문의
박종원 전문의
김보람 전문의
최형인 국군수도병원, 전문의
김지은 서울대학교병원, 전문의
남태훈 분당서울대학교병원, 전문의
백승진 분당차병원, 전공의
송윤아 전문의
조은경 새움병원, 전문의
이진영 전문의
김동수 전공의
이종선 연세대학교 원주세브란스기독병원, 전공의
한진우 전공의
장민영 국민건강보험공단 일산병원, 전문의
전성우 전문의


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