Abstract

Background: The incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus (MA), a rapidly growing species of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)-related infections, has been steadily rising over the past decade. Despite the increased prevalence of NTM-related infections, it is largely underreported from TB-endemic countries due to lack of awareness and limited laboratory facilities. Here, we report a rare case of L4–L5 spondylodiscitis caused by MA following ozone therapy (a noncondoned method of lumbar disc management).

Case Description: A healthy, nonimmunocompromised 43-year-old female presented with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. She underwent a fluoroscopically guided percutaneous ozone treatment for degenerated disc disease at the L4–L5 level. She was symptom free for 3 months duration. She then presented with severe low back pain, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and spondylodiscitis at the L4–L5 level. This was treated with a L4–L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. MA was cultured from the epidural purulent material collected during the surgery. The patient was discharged on oral clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily and intravenous amikacin 500 mg twice daily for 6 weeks. The plan was to then continue oral clarithromycin for another 6 weeks till resolution of primary infection.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy is required to treat NTM which is more prevalent in epidemic/endemic regions.

Keywords: Mycobacterium abscessus, Ozone therapy, Spondylodiscitis

INTRODUCTION

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have over 170 different species that are correlated with different degrees of virulence.[ 2 ] Mycobacterium abscessus (MA) (species abscessus), a rapidly growing species of NTM, is a well-known pathogen of the lung and skin, but rarely can involve the musculoskeletal system. Here, we reviewed 10 cases of vertebral osteomyelitis attributed to MA,[ 4 ] the majority of which occurred in immunocompromised patients (n = 6) and/or were from TB-epidemic/endemic areas.[ 5 ] Here, we report on a nonimmunocompromised 43-year- old female who developed L4–L5 spondylodiscitis attributed to MA following a relatively unrecognized form of lumbar disc management consisting of ozone therapy.[ 1 ]

CASE REPORT

A healthy, nonimmunocompromised 43-year-old female with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy had a fluoroscopically guided percutaneous ozone treatment for degenerative lumbar disc disease [ Figure 1 ]. Three months later, she presented with severe back pain (VAS 9/10), bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (leg VAS-7/10), and a partial right-sided foot drop. The C-reactive protein (CRP 27 mg/dl) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR 58 mm/h) rates were both elevated, the leukocyte count was at 7.03 thous/ul with 2100 lymphocytes; and she was also anemic (hemoglobin 11.7g/dl).

Figure 1:

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan of lumbosacral spine (sagittal and axial cut): mild disc bulge at L4–L5 level.

Diagnostic studies

The repeat MR of the lumbar spine demonstrated L4–L5 spondylodiscitis [ Figure 2 ] with paradiscal erosion consistent with a tubercular type of infection [ Figures 3 and 4 ]. The patient underwent a L4–L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion [ Figure 5 ], with soft-tissue debridement; the purulent/ infected epidural tissues were sent for bacterial, fungal, and tubercular cultures. The rapid AFB cultures showed MA.

Figure 2:

Magnetic resonance imaging scan of lumbosacral spine (T2 weighted): features suggestive of spondylodiscitis at L4–L5 level.

Figure 3:

Contrast magnetic resonance imaging scan of lumbosacral spine showing enhancement of end plates at L4–L5 level.

Figure 4:

Computed tomography scan showing vertebral destruction with cavitation at L4 and L5 vertebra and end plate erosion.

Figure 5:

Postoperative X-ray: L4–L5 fixation with pedicle screws bilaterally with intervertebral autogenous posterior iliac crest bone graft.

Treatment

The patient was discharged on intravenous cefoperazone- sulbactam 1.5 g twice daily. She, however, returned after 6 weeks with a fluid collection in the wound, and the CRP and ESR studies remained elevated. The wound was debrided and then she was discharged on intravenous amikacin 500 mg (intravenously) twice daily for 6 weeks, supplemented with oral clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily. Subsequently, she was continued on oral clarithromycin for another 6 weeks following resolution of the primary infection.

DISCUSSION

Ozone therapy is not a condoned treatment for lumbar disc disease within or outside of the US. Here, we report a rare case of spondylodiscitis attributed to MA following percutaneous ozone treatment for a lumbar disc herniation.

What is MA

MA is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that is ubiquitous in the soil and aqueous environments and has the potential to colonize human epithelia. MA has a bimodal age distribution (age: 0–4 years and >65 years) and has become more prevalent but less adequately recognized in regions previously impacted by TB.

Antibiotic Therapy for MA

Spinal infections due to MA require 2–3 antibiotics for treatment as monotherapy usually fails. The antibiotics of choice include clarithromycin, while imipenem, cefoxitin, and amikacin also play a role. Further, dual therapy should be continued for a minimum of 6 weeks after the initial diagnosis/treatment/surgery; once the infection has “resolved,” an additional 6 weeks of “suppressive” oral clarithromycin therapy should considered.[ 3 ] Patients with compromised immune systems and/or extensive bony destruction and/or paravertebral infections typically require even more prolonged “suppressive” antibiotic therapy lasting up to years.[ 6 ]

Surgery

Surgical decompression may be warranted to both diagnose and treat pyogenic osteomyelitis, i.e., epidural or paravertebral abscess formation, threatened/actual cord compression due to vertebral collapse, epidural compression, and/or spinal instability.

Reduction of morbidity/mortality

The best way to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with MA is to shorten the time between the onset of symptoms, the time it takes to establish the diagnosis, when appropriate therapy is initiated.

CONCLUSION

The symptoms/signs of spinal NTM are typically underappreciated/underreported from TB-endemic countries. Since early diagnosis and appropriate therapy yield the best clinical outcomes, one should exercise great vigilance looking for MA in TB/NTM epidemic/endemic regions.

Declaration of patient consent

Patient’s consent not required as patients identity is not disclosed or compromised.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

References

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