Spondylodiscitis and infective endocarditis - Case studies and review of the literature

Study Design. This study evaluated the association between infective endoca rditis and infective spondylodiscitis and its clinical features. Objectives. To report case studies of patients with spondylodiscitis compli cating infective endocarditis. Summary of Background Date. Early diagnosis of infective endocarditis as th e source of the spondylodiscitis is often difficult because clinical and ra diologic patterns are similar to those present in spondylodiscitis alone. Methods. The case records of the patients with infective endocarditis admit ted to our Department from 1991-1998 were reviewed. The diagnosis of spondy lodiscitis was made on the basis of clinical features and of typical radiol ogic signs. Results. Among 30 patients affected by infective endocarditis, three also w ere affected by spondylodiscitis. All patients fully recovered after approp riate antibiotic therapy. Conclusions. In all patients with spondylodiscitis, infective endocarditis should be excluded, particularly in patients with a history of heart valve disease.