Journal of Spine

Spinal Cord MRSA Infectious Infarction after Anterior Cervical Decompression

Abstract

Ahmad Shawky and Khaldoun El-Abed

Infection post anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) is not a frequent complication, the infection rate is around 0.6%. Occlusive vascular lesions secondary to infection, affecting the spinal cord, are diagnostic challenges. Spinal cord infarction due to deep infectious cause, particularly MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphycoccus aureus) is rare. We present here a rare case of post C6–C7 ACDF infection with MRSA that leading to cord ischemia with radiological changes and rapidly evolving neurological deterioration. Rapid evaluation with MRI scanning and initiation of antibiotic produced dramatic response with our patient and satisfactory recovery at one year follow up. We assume that is the first reported case of MRSA cord infection with ischemic mylopathic changes.