Endovascular stents––boon or bane? A case report of spondylodiscitis following aorto-illiac stent insertion

Abstract

Spondylodiscitis after aorto-illiac stent insertion for the management of peripheral vascular disease is a rare but serious complication. We report the first case that we encountered as it provided insight into the device-related infections and the treatment dilemma that we went through. Within a week following insertion, a 43-year-old patient developed symptoms of infection. Imaging, laboratory cultures, and inflammatory markers were sought. The patient was treated with antibiotics for over six months to achieve a complete cure. Acute stent-graft infections require prompt and aggressive management. Centers specialized in carrying out endovascular stent insertions should monitor this device-related infection as a health-care-associated infection. The case may be looked on as a learning experience for the spine surgeons, vascular surgeons, microbiologists, and the infection control team of the hospital.