Extensive spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess causing fever and lower limbs pain in a child with sickle cell disease

Abstract

Spondylodiscitis is an unusual diagnosis among children and consequent abscess formation is even rarer. A 6-year-old girl with fever, hip pain, and refusal to walk was evaluated. The neurologic examination was normal. Recurrent joint pain with cold weather, iron for anemia without improvement, and decreased intervertebral spaces raised the use of ceftriaxone, oxacillin, and external immobilization. Hemoglobin sickle cell disease, spondylodiscitis with paravertebral collections, and epidural abscess were documented. She was fully recovered. The treatment was conservative because there was no neurologic deficit. We add to the literature 1 case of spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess that was successfully treated with antibiotics alone.