Discitis is when the vertebral disc space becomes inflamed often related to infection. Vertebral osteomyelitis may also occur due to the fact this condition share much of the same symptoms and treatment. An infection usually does not originate with in the vertebra, but rather through the blood stream spreading from other sites. Pneumonia and urinary tract infections are just a couple of known infections which may spread to the vertebral disc space. Discitis from surgical procedures is very rare, but may occur. Symptoms include neck or back pain. Some patients may present with a fever. Discitis may be detected on x-rays, CT scans, or MRI images. MRI is the modality of choice, since an MRI is able to demonstrate the narrowing of the disk space and the edema associated with the infection. IV antibiotics are used for treatment. If left untreated, death may be the outcome.
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