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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Case report

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion for blastomycosis causing destruction of C6 vertebra: a case report

Authors: Kushal R. Patel, Michal Szczodry, Sergey Neckrysh, Krzysztof Siemionow

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Introduction

We describe a patient who had cervical spine osteomyelitis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis that resulted in cord compression and cervical spine instability.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old Hispanic woman presented with fever, sweats, neck pain, and an enlarging neck mass with purulent discharge after sustaining a C6 vertebral body fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed C6 vertebral osteomyelitis, demonstrated by vertebral body destruction, cervical spine instability, prevertebral abscess, and spinal cord compression. She underwent C6 anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, with fungal cultures confirming Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Conclusions

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion successful debrided, decompressed, and restored cervical spine stability in a patient with vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. The patient was subsequently treated with a 1-year course of itraconazole and had no recurrence of infection 4 years postoperatively.
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Metadata
Title
Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion for blastomycosis causing destruction of C6 vertebra: a case report
Authors
Kushal R. Patel
Michal Szczodry
Sergey Neckrysh
Krzysztof Siemionow
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-015-0762-x

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