Odontoid osteomyelitis in children: illustrative case reports and review of the literature

Zimmermann, Petra; Ritz, Nicole; Stranzinger, Enno

doi:10.1097/INF.0000000000001192

Back

Journal article

Odontoid osteomyelitis in children: illustrative case reports and review of the literature

Zimmermann, Petra Infectious Diseases Unit, University Children’s Hospital, Berne, Switzerland - Infectious Diseases Unit, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia - Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Ritz, Nicole Infectious Diseases Unit and Paediatric Pharmacology, University of Basel Children’s Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland - Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
Stranzinger, Enno Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology, University Children’s Hospital, Berne, Switzerland

2016

Published in:

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. - 2016, vol. 35, no. 8, p. 920–923

English Odontoid osteomyelitis is a rare disease which is frequently misdiagnosed as torticollis, leading to a delay in diagnosis. We present 2 illustrative cases and a systematic literature review summarizing previously reported cases. Odontoid osteomyelitis should be considered in children presenting with decreased head movements and with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, particularly without improvement while receiving antiinflammatory treatment. Plain radiographs can be misleading, and magnetic resonance imaging should be performed for better visualization.

Faculty

Faculté des sciences et de médecine

Department

Master en médecine

Language