Florent Espitalier1,2, Anne de Keating-Hart3, Sylvain Morinière4, Jean-Michel Badet5, Nathalie Asseray6, Christophe Ferron3, Olivier Malard3. 1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France. florent.espitalier@chu-nantes.fr. 2. Service d'ORL et chirurgie cervico-faciale, CHU Hôtel Dieu, 1, place Alexis Ricordeau, 44093, Nantes Cedex 1, France. florent.espitalier@chu-nantes.fr. 3. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France. 4. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France. 5. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France. 6. Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Nantes, Nantes, France.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To highlight cervical spondylodiscitis as an infrequent complication following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx in patients previously treated with circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with cervical spondylodiscitis after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy between 2001 and 2013 were retrospectively studied using a questionnaire sent to the French head and neck tumour study group. Medical history; tumour management; clinical symptoms; biological, microbiological and imaging results; and management of the infection were collected for each patient. RESULTS: Six men aged 51-66 years were diagnosed with spondylodiscitis on average 5.6 years after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy, and a mean 2 months following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx (oesophageal dilatation, phonatory prosthesis insertion). The patients presented with cervical pain and increased CRP level. MRI showed epidural abscess and communication between the pharynx and vertebral bodies in most cases. Microbiological samples yielded bacteria from the pharynx flora. Infection was managed using antibiotics adjusted according to the culture results and spinal immobilisation for duration of 6-12 weeks. No surgical treatment was required. During follow-up, no patient experienced recurrence or residual disability. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical spondylodiscitis is a rare but potentially severe complication following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy. Therefore, the onset of nonspecific symptoms should not be overlooked, and MRI must be performed if infection is suspected. Microbiological confirmation is critical in optimising treatment, which should be aggressive, even if overall prognosis seems to be good.
PURPOSE: To highlight cervical spondylodiscitis as an infrequent complication following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx in patients previously treated with circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction. METHODS:Patients diagnosed with cervical spondylodiscitis after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy between 2001 and 2013 were retrospectively studied using a questionnaire sent to the French head and neck tumour study group. Medical history; tumour management; clinical symptoms; biological, microbiological and imaging results; and management of the infection were collected for each patient. RESULTS: Six men aged 51-66 years were diagnosed with spondylodiscitis on average 5.6 years after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy, and a mean 2 months following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx (oesophageal dilatation, phonatory prosthesis insertion). The patients presented with cervical pain and increased CRP level. MRI showed epidural abscess and communication between the pharynx and vertebral bodies in most cases. Microbiological samples yielded bacteria from the pharynx flora. Infection was managed using antibiotics adjusted according to the culture results and spinal immobilisation for duration of 6-12 weeks. No surgical treatment was required. During follow-up, no patient experienced recurrence or residual disability. CONCLUSIONS:Cervical spondylodiscitis is a rare but potentially severe complication following an invasive procedure on the neopharynx after circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy. Therefore, the onset of nonspecific symptoms should not be overlooked, and MRI must be performed if infection is suspected. Microbiological confirmation is critical in optimising treatment, which should be aggressive, even if overall prognosis seems to be good.