Background: Chronic Coxiella burnetii infections such as vertebral osteomyelitis caused by contiguous spread from an infected abdominal aortic graft or aneurysm have been rarely reported and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Methods: We present the first four reported US acquired cases of Coxiella burnetii vertebral osteomyelitis caused by contiguous spread from an infected abdominal aortic graft or aneurysm.
Results: Presenting symptoms included progressive back pain, malaise, and weight loss with recent or remote animal exposure. Typical imaging findings demonstrated a peri-aortic collection with extension to the paraspinal muscles and vertebrae. Antibiotic regimens included doxycycline with either hydroxychloroquine or a quinolone for at least 2 years or as chronic suppression.
Conclusions: C. burnetii vertebral osteomyelitis is rare and can occur by contiguous spread from an abdominal aneurysm or vascular graft infection. It should be suspected in patients where pre-antibiotic cultures are negative with animal/farming exposure.
Keywords: Coxiella burnetti; Q fever; infected abdominal aortic aneurysm; vascular graft; vertebral osteomyelitis.