Cervical and lumbar diffuse Brucella spondylodiscitis: an uncommon case report

Introduction Brucellosis is a systemic zoonotic disease involving frequently musculoskeletal system, specifically the osteoarticular structures. Lumbar spine involvement is the most prevalent whereas cervical spine is a rare location. Case presentation A 59-year-old man with a 6-month history of lumbar and cervical back pain, restricted neck and lumbar movements, high fever and night sweats. He revealed consumption of unpasteurized milk products. MRI showed L1–L2 intervertebral disc destruction and contrast-enhanced of vertebral body at C5–C6 and L1-L2 levels with paraspinal involvement. Brucella serology and agglutination test resulted positive. Antibiotic therapy with Rifampicin, Doxycycline and Ciprofloxacin was administered. Patient achieved fever’s disappearance together with a prompt amelioration of lumbar and cervical pain. Discussion This is an uncommon case of contemporary Brucella’s involvement of lumbar and cervical spine. Serology, cultural test and imaging along with medical history are important to make a rapid diagnosis of brucellosis’ osteoarticular complications. Standard antibiotic therapy regimen and its duration have not been reported yet.