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Belzunegui, J., Del Val, N., Intxausti, J.J., De Dios, J.R., Queiro, R., González, C., Rodríguez-Valverde, V. and Figueroa, M. (1999) Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Northern Spain. Report of 62 Cases. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 17, 447-452.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Upper Cervical Spine Infection. Complication of Hypopharyngeal Injury

  AUTHORS: Ghassan Skaf, Elias Elias

  KEYWORDS: Osteomyelitis, Cervical Spine, Discitis, Retropharyngeal Abscess, Candida albicans

  JOURNAL NAME: International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Vol.5 No.2, March 23, 2016

  ABSTRACT: Background: We describe a rare case of Candida albicans retropharyngeal infection with upper cervical spondylodiscitis associated with epidural abscess triggered by ingestion of a chicken bone. Case Description: A 63-year-old woman presented with posterior neck and bilateral shoulders pain three weeks after choking on a 2-centimeter chicken bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess with significant spinal cord compression at C2 and C3 levels. A Barium swallow showed a focal disruption of the posterior wall of the esophagus. A posterior upper cervical fixation (C2-C5) was initially performed. One week later an anterior decompressive procedure was carried out followed by iliac crest bony fusion, and repair of the esophageal defect. Intra-operative cultures showed heavy growth of Candida albicans. After a transitory post-operative neurologic worsening, and after six weeks of appropriate antifungal therapy, the patient achieved a full clinical and radiologic recovery. Conclusion: Prompt surgical debridement, fusion and stabilization combined with adequate antimicrobial agents are necessary to guarantee a good outcome and reverse the neurological deficits.