J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2010 Apr;47(4):295-297.

Candida Parapsilosis Spondylodiscitis after Lumbar Discectomy

• Cho K
• Lee SH
• Kim ES
• Eoh W

Abstract

Candida is a relatively rare cause of spinal infections that commonly affects immunocompromised patients. A 70-year-old woman, who underwent a lumbar discectomy on L5-S1 two months earlier, was admitted to our department complaining of persistent back and leg pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed irregular enhancing mass lesion in L5-S1 intervertebral space, suggest of pyogenic discitis with epidural abscess. The surgery was performed via retroperitoneal approach and the infected material at L5-S1 intervertebral space was removed. The histological examination of the specimen revealed chronic inflammation involving the bone and soft tissue, and a culture of the excised material was positive for Candida parapsilosis. The patient received intravenous fluconazole for 4 weeks after surgery and oral fluconazole 400 mg/day for 3 months after surgery. The patient made a full recovery with no symptoms 6 months after surgery. We present a rare case of spondylodiscitis after a lumbar discectomy due to Candida parapsilosis and discuss treatment option with a review of the literatures.

Keyword

Spondylodiscitis; Candida; Fungal infection; Vertebra; Osteomyelitis

MeSH Terms

Aged
Candida
Discitis
Diskectomy
Epidural Abscess
Female
Fluconazole
Humans
Immunocompromised Host
Inflammation
Leg
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Osteomyelitis
Spine
Fluconazole