Introduction: A case of thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis due to Salmonella enteritis (SE) in an immunocompetent patient is reported. This is the third case in the literature of SE thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis, but the first one with this multi-foci presentation and finally fatal outcome due to meningoencephalitis. Further data that makes our case unique are the absence of fever (body temperature: 37.4°C) and gastrointestinal disorders.
Case report: A 57-year-old male patient initially presented with thoracic pain, dyspnea, and knee pain. Examinations revealed a large pleural effusion and septic arthritis. Blood and all these sides (vertebrae, pleural fluid, and joint fluid) cultures revealed SE. The infection was successfully treated with three surgical interventions, plus antibiotic administration. First, a chest tube was inserted and at the same time, we took cultures and specimens from the infected sites. Subsequently, bone debridement and spine fusion were performed, and finally, knee fusion was held with an Illizarov device. Although 8 months later, our patient passed away due to viral meningoencephalitis and severe hydrocephalus, due to immunosuppression after Salmonella infection recurrence. Furthermore, no sign of relapse was found in the last follow-up, just 2 months ago.
Conclusion: Physicians should be aware for this rare but potentially fatal spinal infection. Osteomyelitis of thoracic spine should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusion. More suspiciousness is needed due to the possibility of immunosuppression and relapse, even with sufficient antibiotic administration and negative inflammatory markers. Follow-up should be more frequent and accompanied with blood cultures taking.
Keywords: Immunocompetent patient; Salmonella enteritis spondylodiscitis; extra-intestinal focal infections; immunosuppression; relapse; thoracic vertebrae; titanium mesh cage.