Gas-forming vertebral osteomyelitis in diabetic patients

Scand J Infect Dis. 1991;23(2):263-5. doi: 10.3109/00365549109023410.

Abstract

We report 2 cases of gas-forming vertebral osteomyelitis in diabetic patients. Both were caused by gram-negative bacilli, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae respectively. Both ran a fulminant course to death despite appropriate parenteral antibiotics. We suggest that early surgical intervention may be needed in cases with gas-forming vertebral osteomyelitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis*
  • Diabetes Complications*
  • Escherichia coli / growth & development
  • Female
  • Gases
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / growth & development*
  • Humans
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / growth & development
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteomyelitis / complications
  • Osteomyelitis / microbiology*

Substances

  • Gases