Research Article: The Potential of a CT-Based Machine Learning Radiomics Analysis to Differentiate Brucella and Pyogenic Spondylitis
Abstract:
Spinal infections encompass a range of diseases caused by various factors, with an estimated incidence rate ranging from . to . cases per , individuals per year., Pyogenic spondylitis (PS) is a frequently encountered condition with an acute or subacute onset in the emergency department. It has been observed to have an increasing incidence rate and is often initially misdiagnosed by healthcare professionals., Brucella spondylitis (BS) is a common manifestation in the osteoarticular system among individuals with human Brucellosis. It occurs as a result of infections caused by different species of Brucella, and it continues to pose a significant global public health concern., BS has been found to have a high prevalence in developing areas and countries. To diagnose spinal infections, a thorough medical history and physical examination should be conducted to identify possible risk factors for infection. Common clinical manifestations include non-specific back pain, fever, and neurological symptoms caused by compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots., Fever is a common symptom but may not always be present. Approximately % of patients with pyogenic spine infections and even higher percentages in fungal, mycobacterial, and Brucella infections may be afebrile. Palpation may reveal paravertebral muscle spasm, and marked tenderness with percussion over the infected spinal segment is a consistent finding in % to % of cases. Early diagnosis of spinal infections can be challenging due to the non-specificity of symptoms and signs, leading to delayed identification that can take weeks or months. Hence, it is vital to maintain a high level of awareness and clinical suspicion. Factors like geographic location and occupational history should be highlighted during the patient’s clinical evaluation to increase suspicion specifically for brucellosis. These include working in a slaughterhouse or meat-packing environment, recent travel to endemic regions, consuming undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products, engaging in hunting activities involving certain animals, assisting animals during childbirth, and working in a laboratory handling Brucella specimen.
Introduction:
Spinal infections encompass a range of diseases caused by various factors, with an estimated incidence rate ranging from . to . cases per , individuals per year. , Pyogenic spondylitis (PS) is a frequently encountered condition with an acute or subacute onset in the emergency department. It has been observed to have an increasing incidence rate and is often initially misdiagnosed by healthcare professionals. , Brucella spondylitis (BS) is a common manifestation in the osteoarticular system among individuals with…
Read more