Cervical spondylodiscitis following cricopharyngeal botulinium toxin injection

BackgroundIatrogenic cervical spondylodiscitis is rare, but may occur after various medical interventions.MethodsWe report a case of a diabetic 70-years-old female with C5–C6 spondylodiscitis and symptomatic epidural abscess with neck pain and upper limb paresis after endoscopic botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of dysphagia. Treatment included antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin and later on benzylpenicillin for the next ten weeks and corporectomy with spondylodesis.ResultThe patient made an excellent recovery, with complete resolution of paresis and only minor residual hypoesthesia at one year after operation.ConclusionCervical spondylodiscitis should be considered early, in patients with neck pain after endoscopic cricopharyngeal injection, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious and irreversible neurological deficit.