Discitis

Epidural spaces and paraspinous soft tissues can also be affected.

Bacterial, fungal or parasitic organisms can be found. Enterobacter and staphylococcus aureus are the most common agents followed by escherichia coli, salmonella, pseudomonas aeruginosa. Routes of entry may be haematogenous or contiguous spread, direct inoculation following surgery or through discography.

Backpain and fever may be the only symptoms.

Radiologically a narrow disc space and blurred end plates may be seen on plain films. MR shows T2 hyperintensity of the disc and adjacent bone with gadolinium enhancement. Paraspinal and epidural abscesses may be seen. Also, see discitis.

GS