Spondylodiscitis with bronchopneumonia in infancy: A rare entity

Abstract

Shweta Pai, P. Shashikala, G.U. Kavita, Kishan A. Bhagwat, L. Manjunath

Childhood spondylodiscitis is an extremely rare entity and accounts for 2-4% in neonates. Respiratory and other site infections are identified as sources of hematogenous spread. A 5-week-old male child was brought to the emergency department with respiratory distress and convulsions. On the evaluation, he had bilateral bronchopneumonia with septicemia and kyphosis. Computed tomography scan demonstrated spondylodiscitis with destruction of T5 -T6 vertebraewith abscess of right lower lobe of the lung. Subsequently, thoracotomy was done, and a biopsy sent from apical and posterior segments of the lower lobe of the right lung revealed bronchopneumonia, abscess with entrapped dead bony spicules and collapse. Early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections are critical as delay may result in vertebral destruction as seen in this case and could lead to potentially life-threatening complications.