Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion for Blastomycosis Causing Destruction of C6 Vertebra: a Case Report

Overview

Journal J Med Case Rep

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2015 Nov 27

PMID 26607290

Citations 4

Authors

Kushal R Patel

Michal Szczodry

Sergey Neckrysh

Krzysztof Siemionow

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: We describe a patient who had cervical spine osteomyelitis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis that resulted in cord compression and cervical spine instability.

Case Presentation: A 25-year-old Hispanic woman presented with fever, sweats, neck pain, and an enlarging neck mass with purulent discharge after sustaining a C6 vertebral body fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed C6 vertebral osteomyelitis, demonstrated by vertebral body destruction, cervical spine instability, prevertebral abscess, and spinal cord compression. She underwent C6 anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, with fungal cultures confirming Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Conclusions: Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion successful debrided, decompressed, and restored cervical spine stability in a patient with vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. The patient was subsequently treated with a 1-year course of itraconazole and had no recurrence of infection 4 years postoperatively.

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