Adjacent level spondylodiscitis in a patient with thoracic spondylodiscitis: A case report and review of the literature

Introduction Adjacent level spondylodiscitis (ALS) after primary surgery for thoracic spondylodiscitis is a very rare condition. Case report We report the case of a 76-year-old man with this pathology. A first posterior minimally invasive approach combined with anterior approach to the thoracic spine was safely performed for thoracic spondylodiscitis. More than a year later, exploration of recurrent symptoms with 18FDG PET scan helped to diagnose ALS. Further surgery was performed. At 3-year follow-up examination showed no recurrence of the infection. Discussion ALS should be suspected during recurrent symptoms after spinal fusion surgery. Evaluation should be based on the results of 18FDG PET scan and surgery. Conclusion Bacterial and histopathological analyses combined with an increase of spine fixation and adapted antimicrobial therapy are a safe management for ALS.