Spondylodiscitis: A Rare Differential Diagnosis of Lumbar Pain

Abstract

Spondylodiscitis is an inflammatory process, usually infectious, that accommodates intervertebral discs and associated vertebrae. The diagnosis can be quite difficult, due to the rarity of the disease, the insidious and nonspecific symptoms, and the high prevalence of low back pain in the general population. We present a case of a 59-year-old male with abdominal and low back pain, accompanied by poor general condition. Its diagnosis was delayed due to the lack of findings on the initial computed tomography. It is a case that alerts health professionals to this entity. The diagnosis is based mainly on a high index of suspicion. Conservative treatment was sufficient for a complete recovery of the patient.