Compressive spinal epidural mass caused by Propionibacterium acnes

Austin Y. Ha, J. Mason DePasse, Anna Piskorski, Diana O. Treaba, Erna M. Kojic, Alan H. Daniels

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background Context Propionibacterium acnes is a gram-positive and facultative anaerobe bacillus that is found within sebaceous follicles of the human skin and recognized as a cause of infections after spinal surgery. To our knowledge, there has been no previously reported case of symptomatic compressive chronic inflammatory epidural mass caused by P. acnes in a patient with no prior spinal procedures. Purpose This study aimed to describe a case of primary spinal infection by P. acnes. Study Design This study is a case report of a condition not previously described in the literature. Methods We present the history, physical examination, laboratory, radiographic, and histopathologic findings of a chronic inflammatory epidural mass caused by P. acnes in an immunocompetent adult male with no history of spinal surgery. Results A 51-year-old man presented to our clinic with sudden onset bilateral lower extremity weakness, inability to ambulate, and urinary retention. His past clinical history was remarkable only for hernia and left knee surgery but no spinal surgery. A year earlier, he had an infected draining abscess of the right axilla that was successfully managed medically. At presentation, his serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were moderately elevated. Pan-spine magnetic resonance imaging was notable for a circumferential epidural mass from C5 to T6. He underwent emergent decompression; the mass was removed and sent for culture and pathologic evaluation. Cultures from all three specimens collected during surgery grew P. acnes, and the patient was successfully managed on intravenous ceftriaxone, while pathology revealed a chronic inflammatory reactive process. Conclusions This is the first reported case of a primary spinal mass with chronic inflammatory features caused by P. acnes. In cases of epidural mass of unknown origin, both pathologic specimens and cultures should be obtained as slow-growing organisms may mimic oncologic processes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e347-e351
JournalSpine Journal
Volume16
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Compression
  • Epidural abscess
  • Laminectomy
  • Primary spinal infection
  • Propionibacterium acnes
  • Spinal cord

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Clinical Neurology

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