Low back pain in a diabetic on chronic haemodialysis: pyogenic spondylodiscitis. (30th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramcharan, Kanterpersad; Conyette, Liane; Mohammed, Boris; Narine, Ravi
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-04-30
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-204128
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Spondylodiscitis of the lumbar spine is described in a 67-year-old-man receiving chronic haemodialysis via a central venous catheter for diabetic nephropathy. He also had a forearm arteriovenous fistula created 1 month earlier. Clinical, MRI and surgical findings are described. The patient died despite spinal surgery and 1 month of antibiotic therapy from suspected pulmonary embolism. Early recognition by MRI or other imaging technique, prompt antibiotic therapy and often surgery are necessary for a successful outcome in this increasingly recognised complication in patients on chronic haemodialysis. Diabetes mellitus may be an added risk factor.