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Case Reports
. 2020 Oct 16;34(1):95-96.
doi: 10.1080/08998280.2020.1830334.

Adolescent vertebral osteomyelitis mimicking a neoplasm

Charlie D Wilson  1 , Joshua Lee  1 , Ronak Desai  1 , Russell A Ward  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Adolescent vertebral osteomyelitis mimicking a neoplasm

Charlie D Wilson et al. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). .

Abstract

A 14-year-old previously healthy girl presented with atraumatic onset of low back and flank pain and mildly elevated inflammatory markers. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed an L5 superior endplate fracture, and cultures grew methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. We discuss the variable presentations and appropriate treatments of adolescent vertebral osteomyelitis.

Keywords: Infection; pediatric spine; tumor; vertebral osteomyelitis.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Sagittal and coronal T2-weighted MRI of the lumbar spine. (a) At presentation, demonstrating heterogenous enhancement within the superior and right lateral aspect of L5. Arrows demonstrate an L5 superior endplate fracture as well as surrounding soft tissue edema and inflammation. The adjacent intervertebral disk spaces are not affected. (b) 2.5 months later, demonstrating significantly decreased enhancement of L5 as well as improved soft tissue edema. The arrow demonstrates an associated loss of L4–L5 disk signal intensity and height.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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