Prognostic significance of T1 mapping parameters in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for almost one-half of all heart failure (HF) patients and continues to increase in prevalence. While mortality with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has decreased over the past few decades with use of evidence-based HFrEF therapy, mortality related to heart failure with HFpEF has not changed significantly over the same time period. The combination of poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment options creates a pressing need for novel strategies for better patient characterization. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived T1 relaxation time and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in HFpEF patients. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central were searched for relevant studies. The primary outcomes of interest were hospitalization for HF and all-cause mortality. Five studies with 2741 patients were included. Four studies reported correlation of outcomes with ECV, 2 studies reported correlation of outcomes with native T1 time, and 1 study reported correlation of outcomes with post-contrast T1 time. All five studies showed significant correlation of CMR-derived parameters with adverse outcomes including event-free survival to cardiac event, all cause, and cardiac mortality. CMR-determined ECV is strongly correlated with adverse outcomes in HFpEF cohorts.

Safety and sedation-associated adverse event reporting among patients undergoing endoscopic cholangiopancreatography: a comparative systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There is wide variation in choice of sedation and airway management for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate safety outcomes of deep sedation with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) versus general endotracheal anesthesia (GETA). METHODS: Individualized search strategies were performed in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. This meta-analysis was performed by calculating pooled proportions using random effects models. Measured outcomes included procedure success, all-cause and anesthesia-associated adverse events, and post-procedure recovery time. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics and publication bias by funnel plot and Egger regression testing. RESULTS: Five studies (MAC: n = 1284 vs GETA: n = 615) were included. Patients in the GETA group were younger, had higher body mass index (BMI), and higher mean ASA scores (all P < 0.001) with no difference in Mallampati scores (P = 0.923). Procedure success, all-cause adverse events, and anesthesia-associated events were similar between groups [OR 1.16 (95% CI 0.51-2.64); OR 1.16 (95% CI 0.29-4.70); OR 1.33 (95% CI 0.27-6.49), respectively]. MAC resulted in fewer hypotensive episodes [OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.12-0.87], increased hypoxemic events [OR 5.61 (95% CI 1.54-20.37)], and no difference in cardiac arrhythmias [OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.13-1.78)]. Procedure time was decreased for MAC [standard difference - 0.39 (95% CI - 0.78-0.00)] with no difference in recovery time [standard difference - 0.48 (95% CI - 1.04-0.07)]. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests MAC may be a safe alternative to GETA for ERCP; however, MAC may not be appropriate in all patients given an increased risk of hypoxemia.

Five-year outcomes of transoral outlet reduction for the treatment of weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) is a common endoscopic treatment for patients with weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with a dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA). This study aims to assess long-term efficacy of TORe. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on RYGB patients who underwent TORe for weight regain or inadequate weight loss. The primary outcome was efficacy of TORe at 1, 3, and 5 years. Secondary outcomes were procedure details, safety profile, and predictors of long-term weight loss after TORe. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-one RYGB patients underwent 342 TORe procedures and met inclusion criteria. Of these, 331, 258, and 123 patients were eligible for 1-, 3- and 5-year follow-ups, respectively. Mean body mass index was 40 ± 9 kg/m2. Pre-TORe GJA size was 23.4 ± 6.0 mm, which decreased to 8.4 ± 1.6 mm after TORe. Patients experienced 8.5% ± 8.5%, 6.9% ± 10.1%, and 8.8% ± 12.5% total weight loss (TWL) at 1, 3, and 5 years with follow-up rates of 83.3%, 81.8%, and 82.9%, respectively. Of 342 TORe procedures, 76%, 17.5%, 4.4%, and 2.1% were performed using single purse-string, interrupted, double purse-string, and running suture patterns, respectively, with an average of 9 ± 4 stitches per GJA. Pouch reinforcement suturing was performed in 57.3%, with an average of 3 ± 2 stitches per pouch. There were no severe adverse events. Some patients (39.3%) had additional weight loss therapy (pharmacotherapy or procedure), with 3.6% getting repeat TORe. Amount of weight loss at 1 year (ß = .43, P = .01) and an additional endoscopic weight loss procedure (ß = 8.52, P = .01) were predictors of percentage of TWL at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: TORe appears to be safe, effective, and durable at treating weight regain after RYGB.

Impact of infected stent removal on recurrent cholangitis with time-to-event analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach at treating infected biliary stents at the time of cholangitis remains unknown. This study aims to compare the efficacy of stent exchange versus stent sweeping/stent-in-stent approaches at treating cholangitis. METHODS: The study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with biliary stents and cholangitis were included. Outcomes were rate of recurrent cholangitis and time to recurrent cholangitis in those whose stents were left in place (stent sweeping and stent-in-stent) compared to those whose stents were removed (stent exchange). Primary analysis included patients with metal biliary stents only. Secondary analysis included those with metal and plastic biliary stents. RESULTS: A total of 182 patients (age 64 ± 12;89 F) with a metal biliary stent(s) at index cholangitis were included. Of these, 40 (22%) had stents removed, i.e., stent exchange. The remaining 142 (78%) did not have stent removal (97 with stent-in-stent and 45 with stent sweeping). Recurrent cholangitis occurred in 22.5% and 42.3% in the stent removal and non-removal groups, respectively (p = 0.02). Stent removal remained a negative predictor of recurrent cholangitis after controlling for age, sex, history of diabetes, and chemotherapy (OR 0.39, p = 0.03). Median time from index cholangitis to recurrent cholangitis was shorter for patients whose stents were not removed compared to those whose stents were removed (182 vs 450 days, p = 0.011). On Cox regression model, stent removal remained a negative predictor of recurrent cholangitis after controlling for age, sex, history of diabetes, and chemotherapy (HR 0.41, p = 0.01). The findings persisted in the secondary analysis including both metal and plastic biliary stents (303 patients). CONCLUSION: Biliary stent removal with stent exchange at the time of cholangitis appears to be more effective at preventing recurrent cholangitis than leaving an infected stent in the biliary system.

Retrospective Analysis Confirms Tetracycline Quadruple as Best Helicobacter pylori Regimen in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Declining Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rates have prompted a switch in first-line therapy from standard triple (PPI, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin) to bismuth-based quadruple therapy. A caveat of the ACG 2017 H. pylori treatment guidelines was a paucity of recent US eradication data. AIM: To determine Rhode Island H. pylori eradication data, in the largest US study from the last two decades. METHODS: Electronic records were queried for patients with H. pylori infection diagnosed by pathology, urea breath test, or stool antigen from 2015 to 2017. Demographics, diagnostic test, treatment regimen, and test of cure were extracted. Eradication rates were calculated, and treatment regimens were compared. RESULTS: A total of 1710 patients were identified (64% female): 825 (46%) diagnosed by breath test, 755 (42%) by biopsy, and 191 (12%) by stool antigen. Full data were obtained on 1101 patients. Seven regimens were used: quadruple (64%), triple (25%), doxycycline quadruple (5%), and miscellaneous (6%). Quadruple was superior to triple: (85% vs. 75%, P = 0.002), quadruple 14 days versus triple 14 days (87% vs. 79%, P = 0.0052), quadruple 10 days versus triple 10 days (77% vs. 67%, P = 0.33). Increased therapy length improved eradication (quadruple 14 days  vs. 10 days, 87% vs. 77%, P = 0.002; triple 14 days  versus 10 days 79% vs. 67%, P = 0.13). Finally, substituting doxycycline for tetracycline yielded lower eradication (85% vs. 67%, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Quadruple therapy is superior to triple therapy within the Rhode Island population. Fourteen-day therapy achieves superior eradication compared to 10-day therapy, and doxycycline is inferior to tetracycline for quadruple therapy. Our findings support adherence to ACG and international guidelines advising 14-day quadruple therapy.

Rare Association of Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis and Stiff Person Syndrome.

Antibodies to Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis (LE) and Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). However, their association is quite rare. We present a case of a 48-year-old Caucasian female who presented with symptoms of recurrent severe headaches, behavioral and cognitive dysfunction, and an episode of seizure. She was found to have high titers of anti-GAD65 antibodies in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum. She was diagnosed with LE and SPS, and was started on immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). The patient responded well to treatment with improvement in her symptoms.

Cannabis Use in Patients with Gastroparesis.

Aim: The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of cannabis use among patients hospitalized for gastroparesis. The secondary aim was to identify independent variables associated with cannabis use compared with noncannabis-related gastroparesis hospitalization. Methods: We use the nationwide inpatient sample database from January 2012 to December 2014. The patients included in this study were the ones with primary diagnosis of gastroparesis and cannabis use. The analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 27 (SPSS) and a multivariable regression was conducted to identify independent variables. Results: We found 50,170 patients with a primary diagnosis of gastroparesis. The prevalence of cannabis use among patients hospitalized for gastroparesis was 4.2%. Multivariate regression analysis was performed, adjusting for confounders. The variables found to increase the odds of cannabis use in gastroparesis populations independently were age interval of 18-35 and 36-50 years, male, Black and Asian, median household income 1-25th percentile, Medicaid insurance, no charge hospitalization, and smoking. Cannabis use was associated with lower odds of vomiting. Conclusion: Patients who used cannabis were younger and of African American, Asian, or Pacific Islander descent. They had Medicaid insurance and a lower median household income.

A Controversial Relationship Between Crohn's Disease and Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with major extraintestinal manifestations. Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has previously been described to have a strong association with CD. Though the pathophysiology remains uncertain, this case series highlights the different aspects of disease presentation, similarities, severity, current treatment modalities, and the relational conflict between HS as a paradoxical side effect of biologic agents (BA) that is not well established. We identified a total of three patients with CD and HS and described their clinical presentation and management. A systematic search of the literature with PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE was done in 2021. Two patients were initially diagnosed with CD prior to developing skin manifestations. The third patient was diagnosed with HS first, then was found to have gastrointestinal symptoms. All patients had HS requiring surgical intervention. One patient failed a biological agent but responded to another. The second patient was treated with cytotoxic agents with acceptable results. The third patient was managed without the use of biologics. One of three patients' clinical courses may suggest a paradoxical side effect of BA.  The relationship between CD and HS is based on several case reports. A prospective study will help establish the relationship as well as shed light on the treatment of both conditions simultaneously. In addition, further evaluation of the causal relationship between BA, specifically adalimumab and infliximab as treatment for CD and HS are warranted to effectively manage Crohn's disease, evaluate paradoxical HS, and improve outcomes of both HS and CD. CD and HS impact a patient's quality of life and physicians should therefore have a high degree of awareness upon diagnosis.

Adequacy Rate of Magnesium Citrate Bowel Preparation in a Large Retrospective Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Magnesium Citrate (MC) is not FDA approved as a colonoscopy preparation. Advantages include low cost, small volume and accessibility without prescription. We retrospectively evaluated bowel preparations used in a private gastroenterology practice. The sample size is the largest for any similar studies (n =19,173). METHODS: Electronic Medical Records were queried for colonoscopies between 2010-2016. Bowel preps, indications (screening vs. other) and preparation adequacy were all recorded. Adequacy rates were calculated and compared using generalized linear modeling. Data were analyzed using SAS. RESULTS: The most common prep used was MC 2 bottles; screening (n=6,064, with 98.94% adequacy) and non-screening (n=3,251, with 99.29% adequacy), followed by MC 3 bottles; screening (n=2,757 with 90.35% adequacy), and non-screening (n=1,925 with 92.92% adequacy). CONCLUSION: MC bowel preparation is adequate, well tolerated, and inexpensive. In a large retrospective analysis, it compares favorably to other preparations.

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the setting of gastrointestinal cancer: Anatomical prevalence, predictors, and interventions.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH) is a common complication with gastrointestinal cancers (GIC). There is no comprehensive research that examines GIH in different types of GIC. AIM: To study the prevalence, predictors, and interventions of GIH based on the anatomical location of GIC. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the 2016-2018 National Inpatient Sample database, the largest inpatient care database in the United States. All adult inpatients (≥ 18-year-old) were included. ICD-10-CM codes were used to identify patients with GIH and GIC. Prevalence of GIH was obtained based on the anatomical location of GIC. Predictors of GIH in the GIC population were studied using multivariate analysis. Interventions including endoscopy were compared to the non-intervention group to determine the differences in inpatient mortality. RESULTS: Out of a total of 18173885 inpatients, 321622 (1.77%) cases had a diagnosis of GIC. Within GIC patients, 30507 (9.5%) inpatients had GIH, which was significantly (P < 0.001) more than the prevalence of GIH in patients without GIC (3.4%). The highest to lowest GIH rates are listed in the following order: Stomach cancer (15.7%), liver cancer (13.0%), small bowel cancer (12.7%), esophageal cancer (9.1%), colorectal cancer (9.1%), pancreatic cancer (7.2%), bile duct cancer (6.0%), and gallbladder cancer (5.1%). Within gastric cancer, the GIH rate ranged from 14.8% in cardia cancer to 25.5% in fundus cancer. Within small bowel cancers, duodenal cancers had a higher GIH rate (15.6%) than jejunal (11.1%) and ileal cancers (5.7%). Within esophageal cancers, lower third cancers had higher GIH (10.7%) than the middle third (8.0%) or upper third cancers (6.2%). When studying the predictors of GIH in GIC, socioeconomic factors such as minority race and less favorable insurances (Medicaid and self-pay) were associated with significantly higher GIH on multivariate analysis (P < 0.01). Chemotherapy and immunotherapy were also identified to have a lower risk for GIH [odds ratios (OR) = 0.74 (0.72-0.77), P < 0.001]. Out of 30507 GIC inpatients who also had GIH, 16267 (53.3%) underwent an endoscopic procedure, i.e., upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Inpatient mortality was significantly lower in patients who underwent endoscopy compared to no endoscopy [5.5% vs 14.9%, OR = 0.42 (0.38-0.46), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GIH in patients with GIC varies significantly based on the tumor's anatomical location. Endoscopy, which appears to be associated with a substantial reduction in inpatient mortality, should be offered to GIC patients with GIH. Nevertheless, the decision on intervention in the GIC population should be tailored to individual patient's goals of care, the benefit on overall care, and long-term survival.

Chronic Hypotension Due to Thrombosis of an Inferior Vena Cava Filter.

Inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) are associated with many long-term complications. Often, these complications manifest as acute events, such as shock. However, we report a case of a patient who presented with chronic hypotension and dizziness due to a thrombosed IVCF filter.

Safety and efficacy of dual versus triple antithrombotic therapy in Patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention have indications for oral anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. The concurrent use of all three agents, termed triple oral antithrombotic therapy (TAT), increases the risk of bleeding. A number of prospective trials showed that the omission of aspirin mitigates the risk of bleeding without affecting major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched from inception to October 2019. Relevant randomized control trials comparing dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT) versus TAT were identified and a metanalysis was performed using random-effect model. The safety endpoints of interest were thrombolysis in myocardial infarction criteria (TIMI) major and minor bleeding, TIMI major bleeding, and intracranial bleeding. The efficacy endpoints of interest were MACE and individual components of MACE. RESULTS: Six trials with 11,722 patients were included. For safety endpoint, DAT was associated with significantly lower incidence of TIMI major and minor bleeding [RR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.44-0.77, P = 0.0001], TIMI major bleeding [RR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.73, P < 0.0001] as well as intracranial bleeding [RR: 0.35, 95% CI 0.16-0.73, P = 0.006] compared with TAT. No significant difference was observed for MACE [RR: 0.96 (0.79-1.17) P = 0.71] or any of the individual components of MACE between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Omission of aspirin from TAT in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) after percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with lower risk of bleeding without compromising the efficacy in terms of mortality and cardiovascular thrombotic events.

Nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting with persistent cough: Case report with literature review.

Renal cell carcinomas (RCC), constitute 80- 85% of primary renal neoplasms. The classic triad of RCC (flank pain, hematuria, and a palpable abdominal renal mass) occurs in approximately 9% of patients; it strongly suggests locally advanced disease. RCC may also be associated with a number of paraneoplastic syndromes. These are typically due to ectopic production of various hormones. We present a 69-year-old male patient previously healthy presented to the emergency department with recurrent persistent cough. A non-metastatic RCC was incidentally discovered. Eventually, he underwent left radical nephrectomy. One year has passed with no cough. This is a rare and unusual presentation of RCC that falls under the category of paraneoplastic syndrome with review of similar reported cases and summary of all paraneoplastic syndromes associated with RCC in literature.

Efficacy and Safety of Intragastric Balloon Placements in 1600 Case, an Experience from the Middle East.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intragastric balloons are used as a treatment for obesity. Much of the data collected on balloons had been in the context of clinical trials in academic medical centers or as a bridge to bariatric surgery in obesity centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of balloon treatment in private practice. STUDY DESIGN: This is an interventional study. SUBJECTS: The study included 1600 patients. PLACE: The study was conducted at the ElKatib Hospital. METHOD: This was a retrospective analysis of 6-month weight loss data and balloon-related complications of patients referred to a private center for obesity treatment. ASSESSMENT: The assessment was carried out by obtaining full patients' history (personal history, present illness, and previous drug history and operations). Laboratory work was done in the form of CBC, blood sugar, and viral markers. Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB) silicone balloon was used, filled with saline plus methylene blue dye with a volume ranging from 400 to 700 ml. The gained measures were analyzed by using SPSS program, and paired t test and chi-square test were used to compare between groups. RESULTS: A total of 1600 patients were included (368 male (23%) and 1232 female (77%)) with mean age 34.1 ± 10.354, mean body weight 112.45 ± 26.24, and mean body mass index (BMI) 40.32 ± 8.17. There were 46 patients younger than 18 years and 12 patients older than 60 years. There were 109 patients with a BMI ranging from 25 to < 35 and 737 patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. A total of 1567 patients who attended weight consultation had a mean weight loss 17.35 ± 11.07 from intragastric balloon implantation. Thirty-three patients from the total sample were not weighted after the removal of the balloon (dropped out). Percentage excess weight loss (% EWL) = 100% × (baseline absolute weight (AW)-last weight)/(baseline AW-initial body weight (IBW)) was found, and weight loss of more than 10% was considered significant. About 49.3% of patients showed significant weight loss > 10%, 24.7% of patients showed weight loss > 20%, while 26% of patients showed no significant weight loss < 10%. CONCLUSION: Intragastric balloons on their own, with an intensive lifestyle program and supportive consultations, resulted in safe and short-term substantial weight loss, and may fill the therapeutic gap between pharmacotherapy and surgery.

Iatrogenic Gallstone Pancreatitis Complicated by Cholangitis: Post-Cholecystectomy Clip as a Nidus for Common Bile Duct Stone Formation.

Cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in clinical practice. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for the management of symptomatic gallstone disease due to its minimally invasive nature and safety with quoted complication rates of under 5%. Surgical clip migration into the bile duct with resultant stone formation is a rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Here we present a case of cholangitis in addition to gallstone pancreatitis as a result of surgical clip migration into the bile duct leading to stone formation.

Successful Endoscopic Reduction of an Ileocolonic Intussusception in an Adult With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hamartomatous polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract, mostly causing gastrointestinal bleeding and recurrent intestinal obstructions. Few intussusception related to PJS occurs reportedly in adults. Unlike pediatric cases almost all reported cases end up with surgical resection. Here we present a case of PSJ-related intussusception in an adult patient treated successfully with endoscopic approach, with no surgical intervention required.

Critical Care Utilization in Patients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Stroke, and Gastrointestinal Bleed: Two Hospitals Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are among the most expensive components of hospital care. Experts believe that ICUs are overused; however, hospitals vary in their ICU admission rate. Our hypothesis is based on clinical observations that many patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), stroke, and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding admitted to the ICU don't really need it and could be managed safely in a non-ICU level of care. Reducing inappropriate admissions would reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes. Our primary objective was to determine the frequency of inappropriate ICU admissions. Secondary objectives were to evaluate which diagnoses were more unnecessarily admitted to the ICU, evaluate different variables and comorbidities, and determine the mortality rates during ICU admissions. METHODS:  Patients admitted to the ICU, from the Emergency Department (ED) or transferred from the floor, during a one-year period were evaluated in this retrospective study. Patients 18-years old and above who had an admitting diagnosis of DKA, GI bleed, ischemic stroke, or hemorrhagic stroke were included. Patients in a comatose state, intubated, on vasopressors, hemodynamically unstable or had an unstable comorbid disease, subarachnoid hemorrhage, surgery during hospitalization prior to the ICU admission were excluded. Patients were categorized as having an appropriate or inappropriate ICU admission based on our institutional ICU admission criteria and data from available literature and guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were included in our cohort. Seventy-two out of 95 (76%) were considered as inappropriate ICU admissions. When comparing each of the four admitting diagnoses, a significantly higher proportion of DKA patients were considered inappropriate ICU admissions when compared to the other diagnoses (P = 0.001). The overall mortality rate of ICU admissions was 16%, 15 patients out of 95 study population. When comparing each of the four admitting diagnoses, there was a significant difference in mortality rate with DKA having the lowest mortality (3%) and GI bleed having the highest mortality (43%). Out of the 15 patients who died, only 1 patient was categorized as an inappropriate ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS:  More than three-quarters of our study population was admitted to the ICU inappropriately. Incorporating severity scores in ICU admission criteria could improve the appropriateness of ICU admission and financial feasibility. This article is based on a poster: Alsamman S, Alsamman MA, Castro M, Koselka H, Steinbrunner J: ICU admission patterns in patients with DKA, stroke and GI bleed: do they all need ICU? J Hosp Med. March 2015.

Cervical Spinal Osteomyelitis with Epidural Abscess following an Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection in an Immunocompetent Host.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is uncommon with an incidence reported as 0.33-1.96 abscesses per 10,000 hospital admissions per year. Two-thirds of the cases were caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a less common cause of SEA, and it is usually after urinary tract infection in patient with preexisting risk factor. A 69-year-old male with a past medical history significant for prostatitis was admitted with fever, altered mental status, neck pain, progressive lower extremities weakness, and frequent falls for 7 days. Both blood and urine cultures grew E. coli. Lumbar puncture showed 94 RBCs, 24 WBCs (16% neutrophils and 46% lymphocytes), and elevated protein level at 1140 mg/dl with no bacteria. C-spine MRI showed epidural abscess along the anterior and right lateral margin of the cord causing cord compression from C5 through C7, anterior perivertebral abscess from C4 through T2, marrow edema involving C6 and C7 vertebral bodies with increased signal in the intervertebral disc space at C6-C7, and consistent with osteomyelitis and discitis. Anterior cervical decompression with evacuation of anterior epidural abscess with fusion was done. The culture from the epidural abscess grew E coli. A diagnosis of SEA should be considered in patients presenting with progressive weakness and neurological deficits following UTI and is to be confirmed by MRI. E. coli could be the culprit for epidural abscess and spine osteomyelitis even in immunocompetent patients.