Aspergillus vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess

Tew CW, Han FC, Jureen R, Tey BH
Correspondence: Dr Tew Chee Wee, tewcheewee@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT
We present the first reported case of Aspergillus vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess in Singapore in a 50-year-old man with post-tuberculous bronchiectasis. The patient presented with acute urinary retention and flaccid paraplegia. Despite surgical debridement and treatment with voriconazole, the patient developed multiorgan failure and died two weeks after presentation. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment are emphasised in the hope of improving the outcome of this aggressive condition.

Keywords: Aspergillus spp., epidural abscess, osteomyelitis, vertebral osteomyelitis
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(4): e151-e154