Spinal Infections
A 52-year-old previously healthy man from Arizona presents with 4 months of progressive back pain and weight loss. He has no history of immunosuppression. MRI shows T11-L1 vertebral osteomyelitis with paravertebral abscess. CT shows lytic lesions with preservation of disc spaces. Serology is positive for Coccidioides antibodies. Biopsy reveals spherules with endospores. Regarding coccidioidomycosis of the spine:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Coccidioidomycosis is caused by Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, endemic to the southwestern U...
Spinal coccidioidomycosis occurs in approximately 0.5-1% of symptomatic infections; it can affect im...
Coccidioidomycosis only affects immunocompromised patients; the lumbar spine is never involved; disc...
Diagnosis is made by serology (complement fixation, immunodiffusion, EIA), tissue biopsy showing cha...
Treatment of spinal coccidioidomycosis includes fluconazole 400-800mg daily as first-line for most c...
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Click T (True) or F (False) for each option