Discitis following lumbar puncture in non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2005 Dec;22(8):689-94. doi: 10.1080/08880010500278764.

Abstract

Discitis in children is a rare disorder of intervertebral disc and vertebral end plate. Infection or trauma, like lumbar puncture, may be the possible causes. Low-back pain and gait disturbance are the main symptoms. The most appropriate diagnostic procedure is MRI. Treatment is mainly empirical. Here a case with non-Hodgkin lymphoma is discussed. Treatment consisted of strict bed rest and antibiotics. Safe and sterile technique is important in patients with invasive procedures like intrathecal chemotherapy. Although discitis is a self-healing condition, it might cause vertebral osteomyelitis. In this regard, physicians should be aware of this probable complication after lumbar puncture and manage it earlier in children with cancer.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Discitis / diagnosis
  • Discitis / drug therapy
  • Discitis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Spinal / adverse effects
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Remission Induction
  • Spinal Puncture / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents