Idiopathic cervical osteomyelitis presenting as dysphagia

G Ghaly; A Espeso; B Fish

doi:10.1093/jscr/2010.3.6

Idiopathic cervical osteomyelitis presenting as dysphagia

J Surg Case Rep. 2010 May 1;2010(3):6. doi: 10.1093/jscr/2010.3.6.

Authors

G Ghaly¹, A Espeso¹, B Fish²

Affiliations

¹ Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK.
² Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.

Abstract

We discuss a case of idiopathic cervical epidural abscess, complicated by osteomyelitis, presenting with dysphagia as the main complaint. No predisposing factors were identified and blood cultures were negative. Case was treated conservatively by long course of IV antibiotics. We present a review of presentation of spinal epidural abscesses and indications for surgical intervention.