Spondylodiscitis as a spinal complication of transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the prostate

Study Design. A case report. Objective. To describe the presentation of pyogenic spondylodiscitis as an iatrogenic spinal complication of a transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the prostate (TUGNBP), despite prophylactic use of antibiotics, and discuss possible route of infection. Summary of Background Data. Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a rare complication of TUGNBP. Several similar case reports, have been previously published, including 1 by the authors of this case report; however, in the present case, spondylodiscitis occurred despite prophylactic antibiotic use. Methods. A 59-year-old man was admitted to the neurosurgery department, experiencing severe back and bilateral leg pain for 6 weeks. His neurological examination was normal. His medical and surgical histories were unremarkable, except for a TUGNBP performed 2 months ago because of the high serum levels of prostatespecifi c antigen levels. At the time of the biopsy, he had been given prophylactic oral antibiotic (ciprofl oxacin, 500 mg twice a day) for 2 weeks. The day after biopsy, the patient experienced intermittent high fever and fatigue, and a week after biopsy, he complained of progressive back pain. Results. After 2 weeks, whole-body bone scan with Tc99m-MDP revealed hyperactivity at the level of L4 and L5 vertebral bodies. His contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance image of the lumbar spine showed diffuse contrast enhancement vertebral bodies and intervertebral disc of L4 and L5 along with contrast-enhanced circumferential epidural mass extending from S2 to L3 levels. L4 hemilaminectomy and epidural and intradiscal abscess drainage at the L4-L5 levels were performed. The diagnosis was consistent with acute discitis with Gram ( - ) bacilli, and microbiological culture was positive for Escherichia coli . He received intravenous and oral antibiotics for 6 weeks. Conclusion. Acute pyogenic spondylodiscitis should be considered among the major complications of TUGNBP and may occur despite prophylactic antibiotic use.