J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2016 Mar;20(1):56-60. 10.4235/jkgs.2016.20.1.56.

Vertebral Osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium intracellulare in an Immunocompetent Elderly Patient After Vertebroplasty

• Kim MS
• Park CK
• Sohn KM
• Song CH
• Cheon S
• Kim YS

• KMID: 2161211
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/jkgs.2016.20.1.56

Abstract

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) comprises M. intracellulare and M. avium. MAC usually causes pulmonary diseases in individuals with intact immunity, disseminated disease in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and cervical lymphadenitis. It can also cause cutaneous disease, but musculoskeletal infection is rare. Herein, we present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis due to M. intracellulare in an elderly immunocompetent patient who underwent vertebroplasty. The patient was successfully treated with antimycobacterial drugs without surgical intervention. MAC should be considered as a causative pathogen of vertebral osteomyelitis when the patient has a history of vertebroplasty.

Keyword

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection; Mycobacterium avium complex; Nontuberculous mycobacteria; Osteomyelitis; Vertebroplasty

MeSH Terms

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Aged*
Humans
Lung Diseases
Lymphadenitis
Mycobacterium avium Complex*
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection
Mycobacterium*
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Osteomyelitis*
Vertebroplasty*