Prevertebral Soft Tissue Research Articles

Variation in Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling after Staged Combined Multilevel Anterior-Posterior Complex Cervical Spine Surgery: Anterior Then Posterior (AP) versus Posterior Then Anterior-Posterior (PAP) Surgery.

The influence of the sequence of surgery in the development of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) in staged combined multilevel anterior-posterior complex spine surgery was examined. This study was conducted as a retrospective study of patients who underwent staged combined multilevel anterior-posterior complex cervical spine surgery from March 2014 to February 2021. Eighty-two patients were identified, of which fifty-seven were included in the final analysis after screening. PSTS was measured from routine serial monitoring lateral cervical radiographs prior to and after surgery for five consecutive days at each cervical level from C2 to C7 in patients who underwent anterior then posterior (AP) and posterior then anterior-posterior (PAP) surgery. The mean PSTS measurements significantly differed from the preoperative to postoperative monitoring days at all cervical levels (p = 0.0000) using repeated measures analysis of variance in both groups. PSTS was significantly greater in PAP than in AP at level C2 on postoperative day (POD) 1 (p = 0.0001). PSTS was more prominent at levels C2-4 during PODs 2-4 for both groups. In staged combined multilevel anterior-posterior complex spine surgery, PSTS is an inevitable complication. Therefore, surgeons should monitor PSTS after surgery when performing anterior-posterior complex cervical spine surgery, especially in the immediate postoperative period after PAP surgery.

Prevertebral soft tissue swelling after anterior cervical internal fixation at different segments: a retrospective study

Atlantoaxial segments have not been discussed in existing studies on prevertebral soft tissue (PVST) swelling after cervical operations. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of PVST swelling after anterior cervical internal fixation at different segments. This retrospective study included patients who underwent transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP) internal fixation (Group I, n=73), C3/C4 anterior decompression and vertebral fixation (Group II, n=77), or C5/C6 anterior decompression and vertebral fixation (Group III, n=75) at our Hospital. The PVST thickness at C2, C3, and C4 segments was measured before and 3 days after the operation. Time of extubation, number of patients with postoperative re-intubation and dysphagia were collected. Results show that all patients had significant postoperative PVST thickening (all P<0.01). PVST thickening at C2, C3, and C4 was significantly greater in Group I than in Groups II and III (all P<0.01). PVST thickening at C2, C3, and C4 in Group I was 1.87 (14.12mm/7.54mm), 1.82 (12.90mm/7.07mm) and 1.71 (12.09mm/7.07mm) times of that in Group II, respectively. PVST thickening at C2, C3, and C4 in Group I was 2.66 (14.12mm/5.31mm), 1.50 (12.90mm/8.62mm) and 1.32 (12.09mm/9.18mm) times of that in Group III, respectively. The patients in Group I had significantly later postoperative extubation (Both P<0.01) than the patients in Groups II and III. None of the patients had postoperative re-intubation or dysphagia. We conclude that PVST swelling was greater in patients who underwent TARP internal fixation than in patients who underwent anterior C3/C4 or C5/C6 internal fixation. Hence, after TARP internal fixation, patients should be given proper respiratory tract management and monitoring.

Neck pain with prevertebral soft tissue thickening

A 37-year-old man presented with a history of sudden-onset neck pain, which was worse on movement and neck extension. He reported no history of trauma or infection. He denied any neurological symptoms. A physical examination showed limited neck motion in all directions due to pain. Blood tests showed total white blood cell count to be

A Case Report of a Prevertebral Mass in an Elderly Male Post Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by tissue infiltration by dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate composed of T cells, activated B-cells, and plasma cells expressing IgG4 and has varied presentations with similar histopathology. It can involve visceral organs, glands, aorta, lymph nodes, and retroperitoneal tissue. In our case, a 68-year-old male with a past history of Hodgkin's lymphoma and in remission presented for investigation of polyclonal gammopathy. Serum electrophoresis showed increased free kappa light chains, free lambda light chains, and kappa lambda ratio; immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were also increased. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) thoracic spine suggested a hypermetabolic prevertebral soft tissue density. Biopsy of the mass suggested IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). He also had a compression fracture of the T7 vertebra. He was started on intravenous methylprednisolone and rituximab, following which he had a significant decrease in the size of the mass along with a decline in the levels of IgG, kappa, and lambda chains.

Prevertebral Soft Tissue Thickness of the Cervical Spine in Children: An Insensitive but Specific Aid in the Diagnosis of Occult Trauma.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of current cervical prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PVST) values in a cohort of children with known cervical fractures or dislocations. Forty two children (average age 11.9, range 1.4 to 17.0y) with documented cervical spine injury and 61 children (average age 11.9, range 0.5 to 17.9y) with cervical pain but no injury were reviewed (January 2004 to December 2015). PVST was measured on lateral cervical radiographs at C2, C3, and C6. Patients were stratified by age (0 to 2y, 3 to 6y, 7 to 10y, 11 to 15y, and 16y and above). The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare PVST measurements at each spine level across injury and noninjury cohorts. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated to assess the ability of abnormal reference values to detect when a true injury was present. In addition, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were also estimated. The majority of c-spine injuries (31/42; 76%) involved bony fracture and 57% (24/42) were treated with a collar or brace. Comparison of PVST measurement found no difference at C2 ( P =0.07), C3 ( P =0.07), or at C6 ( P =0.99) across injury and non-injury cohorts. Sensitivity was poor at single-level measures for C2 (26%), C3 (31%), and C6 (24%), while specificity was relatively high (92%, 87%, and 79%, respectively). When an increased value at either C2 or C3 indicated injury, sensitivity increased to 36%, and when an increased measurement at just one of the 3 measured levels indicated injury, the sensitivity increased to 48%, while the specificity decreased to 72%. While retropharyngeal measures were more likely to detect injury than retrotracheal, C6 alone was increased in 5 of the 20 injury patients. PVST measurements exhibit poor sensitivity but good specificity as indicators for the diagnosis of occult cervical trauma in children. Negative values do not exclude injury; positive values suggest further evaluation. Level III.

Effect of Absorbable Collagen Sponge and Steroid Injection for 1- or 2-Segment Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Retrospective Comparison Study

Dysphagia, mostly resulting from prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS), is a common and refractory complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Although the symptoms are mild and moderate in most cases, severe dysphagia can incur significant mental burdens and morbidity in some patients. This retrospective study aims to analyze the effect of absorbable collagen sponge and steroid injection (ACS-SI) for patients with ACDF. A total of 150 patients in the ACS-SI group and 175 in the ACDF without absorbable collagen sponge and steroid injection (ANCS-SI) group were enrolled in this study from the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University from January 2018 to November 2020. Baseline characteristics and operation parameters were collected from medical records. Swallowing function was evaluated by the Swallowing-Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) survey, odynophagia was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), and prevertebral soft tissue swelling index (PSTSI) was measured. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics and operation parameters between the 2 groups. The improvement of PSTSI and recovery of swallowing function in the ACS-SI group was better than that in the ANCS-SI group at 1 day and 1-month follow-up visit (P < 0.05). The VAS score was significantly higher at 2 and 7 days after operation in the ANCS-SI group than that in the ACS-SI group (6.61 ± 0.68 vs. 5.52 ± 0.74 and 4.23±0.90 vs. 2.08 ± 0.56, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the 2 groups after 1 month (P > 0.05). The use of ACS-SI is beneficial to relieve postoperative odynophagia, reduce PSTS, and recover swallow function.

Efficacy of Laryngeal Rehabilitation Therapy on Dysphagia after Anterior Cervical Surgery: Prospective, Randomized Control Trial.

Dysphagia is the most common complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Several studies have reported dysphagia’s incidence, severity, and prognosis after ACDF; however, few have investigated the objective effects of dysphagia management. We aimed to elucidate the efficacy of laryngeal rehabilitation therapy for dysphagia following ACDF. This prospective randomized control trial included 20 patients who underwent more than two-level ACDF. Laryngeal rehabilitation therapy was performed on 10 patients for 7 days, whereas the remaining 10 comprised the control group. Pharyngeal transit time (PTT) by videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was performed to evaluate the objective state of swallowing. We analyzed Bazaz scale and total variance of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) from C2 to C7 on lateral cervical radiographs during hospitalization and at 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery. The PTT of the rehabilitation group was shorter than that of the control group at 7 days and 4 weeks post-surgery (p-value; POD 7D = 0.003, POD 4W = 0.042, POD 8W = 0.097). Perioperative laryngeal rehabilitation therapy effectively reduces postoperative dysphagia after ACDF.

A novel technique using ultrasonography in upper airway management after anterior cervical decompression and fusion

BackgroundAirway complications are the most serious complications after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) and can have devastating consequences if their detection and intervention are delayed. Plain radiography is useful for predicting the risk of dyspnea by permitting the comparison of the prevertebral soft tissue (PST) thickness before and after surgery. However, it entails frequent radiation exposure and is inconvenient. Therefore, we aimed to overcome these problems by using ultrasonography to evaluate the PST and upper airway after ACDF and investigate the compatibility between X-ray and ultrasonography for PST evaluation.MethodsWe included 11 radiculopathy/myelopathy patients who underwent ACDF involving C5/6, C6/7, or both segments. The condition of the PST and upper airway was evaluated over 14 days. The Bland–Altman method was used to evaluate the degree of agreement between the PST values obtained using radiography versus ultrasonography. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the PST measurement methods. Single-level and double-level ACDF were performed in 8 and 3 cases, respectively.ResultsPST and upper airway thickness peaked on postoperative day 3, with no airway complications. The Bland–Altman bias was within the prespecified clinically nonsignificant range: 0.13 ± 0.36 mm (95% confidence interval 0.04–0.22 mm). Ultrasonography effectively captured post-ACDF changes in the PST and upper airway thickness and detected airway edema.ConclusionsUltrasonography can help in the continuous assessment of the PST and the upper airway as it is simple and has no risk of radiation exposure risk. Therefore, ultrasonography is more clinically useful to evaluate the PST than radiography from the viewpoint of invasiveness and convenience.

A Pinch of Salt Won’t Kill: The Role of Salt Tablets in Reversing Intractable Orthostatic Hypotension in an Incomplete Tetraplegic Patient

Background and aim: Orthostatic hypotension is a known complication of spinal cord injury, especially in individuals with tetraplegia and thoracic paraplegia. It is triggered by tilting the patient upright and often easily reversed by removing the precipitating factors. The salt tablet is an old medical supplement that works as a blood volume expander by retaining water. We present a case of intractable orthostatic hypotension in incomplete tetraplegia, which resolved after the initiation of salt tablets. Methods: The patient was a 58-year-old gentleman with background hypertension who presented with neck pain following an aggressive neck massage, associated with progressive limb weakness, for six days duration. He developed urinary and bowel retention one day before the presentation. Urgent MRI scan revealed blunt injury at cervical spine with contusion of the cervical spinal cord, epidural haematoma, and contusion of prevertebral soft tissue from C4 till C6 spinal level. He was treated conservatively with steroids. In the rehabilitation ward, the patient developed multiple syncopal episodes during tilt table exercises. The perpetuating factors were antihypertensive medications, anaemia, and urinary tract infection, which resulted in polyuria and electrolyte imbalances. The orthostatic hypotension persisted, despite optimising fluid intake, treating underlying medical issues, removing triggers, and adopting additional measures such as abdominal binder and elastic stockings. Results: Following the initiation of salt tablets 1 gram TDS, the syncopal attacks gradually resolved. The patient tolerated the tilt table exercises until 90° elevation and subsequently progressed into sitting in the wheelchair for an extended period. The patient was completely free of syncope at discharge and required minimal assistance to perform stand transfer to the wheelchair. Conclusion: Orthostatic hypotension is a treatable barrier to progress in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Therefore, simple, cheap, and easily accessible treatment options such as salt tablets should be considered in intractable cases.

Abstracts for the 40th emergencies in medicine conference

Abstracts for the 40^th emergencies in medicine conference

COVID-19 Infection Manifesting with Lumbar Spondylodiscitis Complicating With Psoas Abscess without Pneumonia

AbstractExtrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) are increasingly recognized. Secondary spinal infections are dangerous complications reported in a few cases in the literature. However, to our knowledge, there is no reported case of a severe spondylodiscitis (SD) complicated with a large psoas abscess in a COVID-19 patient. We would like to report a 43-year-old male patient living in central Anatolia and dealing with farming who presented to the hospital with a complaint of severe back pain. The patient who was given oral treatment with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and myorelaxant agents was readmitted with increased complaints. His nasopharyngeal swab was positive for COVID-19 without pneumonia on chest computed tomography (CT). He spent the quarantine and treatment period at home but was admitted to our outpatient clinic with a wheelchair with increased complaints and right leg pain preventing daily activities. The control nasopharyngeal swab was negative for COVID-19 but further increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) (152,8 mg/L) and creatine kinase (CK) level (549 IU/L) were revealed. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed SD in the L3-L4 level along with right-sided prevertebral inflammatory soft tissue and a large right psoas muscle abscess. Pyogenic lumbar SD complicated with the right psoas abscess in the setting of COVID-19 was considered and antibacterial treatment was started following hospitalization. On the same day, percutaneous aspiration from the psoas abscess under CT guidance was performed and revealed no growth in the culture. After 3 weeks, follow-up MRI showed worsening of all the bone, soft tissue and disc findings. Myalgia is a common manifestation in viral infections, which was also demonstrated in COVID-19 patients, with possible increase in muscle enzymes. Secondary spinal infections and its soft-tissue complications should be considered in the management of COVID-19 patients with neuromuscular symptoms, and detailed neurological and neurosurgical evaluation should be performed in order to avoid progression and permanent damage.

Revisionary soft tissue reconstruction of posterior midline defects after spinal surgery-plastic reconstructive options including perforator flaps.

Chronic prevertebral soft tissue defects with exposed metal hardware following spinal surgery represent a challenging complication. Frequently patients underwent multiple previous operations due to wound complications. Surrounding soft tissues are often compromised due to malperfusion, severe subcutaneous scarring, previous local advancement flaps and therefore impair stable wound closure. Patients after spinal surgery who received complex soft tissue reconstructions between 2011 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Patient`s age, risk factors, wound size, cause and defect location as well as complication rates were evaluated. A focus was set on therapeutic strategies and decision-making concerning reconstructive techniques. Fourteen patients receiving 27 pedicled and one free flap were included in the study. Patients mean age was 51.1 years, mean wound size was 144 cm2. Defects were located in the lumbar spine [8], cervical spine [2] and thoracic spine [1], respectively. Three patients suffered from extensive defects affecting more than one area. Mean time of flap surgery was 213 minutes. Fifteen perforator-based flaps and 11 non-perforator (classic rotation-flaps), 1 pedicled and 1 free latissimus dorsi flap were used. In 9 patients (64.3%) different flaps had to be combined in a single-staged procedure due to large wounds. Implant material was removed completely in six patients (42.9%), whereas in five patients (35.7%) implants were replaced within the operation for soft tissue reconstruction. In three patients (21.4%) initial implant removal or replacement was not possible which leads to prolonged postoperative wound infections. Most patients with exposed spinal hardware suffered from multiple comorbidities and showed a poor general condition. Due to the reduced soft tissue quality wound healing is significantly impaired. Exposed implant material should be replaced or removed when possible. Therefore, the complete armamentarium of plastic reconstructive techniques is required for wound closure. Today, perforator flaps play a prominent role due to the variability, excellent vascularization and sufficient subcutaneous filling capacities.

Deep neck infections with mediastinum abscess and respiratory failure in a pediatric patient

Abstract Rationale: Deep neck infections are infections of the potential fascial planes and spaces of the head and neck. They can be life-threatening due to complications of upper airway compression or obstruction, sepsis or septic shock or acute respiratory syndrome. The most common pathogens are Streptococcus viridans and Staphylococcus aureus. Patient concerns: A one-year one-month-old girl was admitted to our pediatric emergency department due to fever, rhinorrhea, and erythematous swelling in the right preauricular area for 3 days. A day later, she had dyspnea, dysphagia, decreased activity, and the swelling extended to the right neck area. Diagnosis: The initial soft neck tissue radiograph showed prevertebral soft tissue thickening, and neck sonography revealed hypoechoic nodes, which were highly suggestive of a deep neck infection. Subsequent computed tomography of the neck and chest showed an abscess of the right deep neck spaces over the parapharyngeal, carotid, parotid, and submandibular areas with intrathoracic extension, as well as an abscess over the anterior mediastinum and bilateral empyema. Interventions: Drainage from deep neck incisions and thoracoscopic decortication of the right-side pleura were performed. Outcomes: After appropriate surgical interventions, critical care with antibiotics and ventilator support, the patient's condition stabilized and was discharged home. Lessons: Complications of deep neck infections are potentially fatal, especially in children. Clinicians should be aware of such infections in children and should not underestimate their potential severity. Children with deep neck infections should be more closely monitored throughout their hospitalization.

Assessment of the self-reported dysphagia in patients undergoing one-level versus two-level cervical disc replacement with the Prestige-LP prosthesis

ObjectivesCervical disc replacement (CDR) has been established as an alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for treating cervical degenerative pathologies over the past decade. However, swallowing difficulties challenge patient safety due to the increased risk of malnutrition, dehydration and aspiration pneumonia after CDR. Currently, there are limited studies focusing on the incidences, severity and associated risk factors for dysphagia after CDR. This paucity, therefore, necessitated this retrospective study on post-operative dysphagia after one- and two-level CDR. Patients and methodsOne hundred and fourteen patients underwent one-level CDR and forty eight patients underwent two-level CDR were recruited with a mean follow-up of 21 months (ranging from 14 to 30 months). The prevalence and severity of dysphagia was evaluated by the Bazaz grading system during the follow-up time. Regression analyses were done to identify risk factors associated with post-operative dysphagia after CDR. ResultsThe overall dysphagia occurrences in the one- and two-level CDR groups were 17.54% and 35.41% at week one, 12.28% and 25% after one month, 9.65% and 18.75% after three months, 6.14% and 14.58% after six months, 4.39% and 6.25% after one year, and 3.51% and 4.17% at the final follow-up, respectively. The identified risk factors for dysphagia after CDR were advanced age, C4/5 surgery, two-level surgery, dC2-C7 angle ≥ − 5° and ≥ 6 mm changes in the prevertebral soft tissue swelling (dPSTS). ConclusionThe patients who experienced two-level CDR may have poor swallowing functions in the early post-operative term. However, these patients also can recover well with increasing length of follow-up. In addition, patients with advanced age, C4/5 surgery, dC2-C7 angle ≥ − 5° and ≥ 6 mm changes in dPSTS may prone to occur dysphagia after CDR.

The effect of local intraoperative corticosteroid application on postoperative dysphagia following anterior cervical spine surgery.

Dysphagia is a common complication following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Although several literatures have reported the potential benefit of local corticosteroid application on dysphagia, its safety and efficacy are still unclear. A systematic review was performed aiming to evaluate the evidence of local corticosteroid application in prevention or treatment of postoperative dysphagia following ACSS. A systematic search was performed in September 2018 in PubMed and Embase database. The following information was extracted: study investigator, year of publication, number of patients, study design, inclusion/exclusion criteria, administration protocol of steroid, type of surgical procedure, number of levels performed, assessment methodology of dysphagia, radiologic assessment of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS), follow-up time points, outcome of dysphagia, and corticosteroid-related complications. Qualitative synthesis was performed. Finally, 5 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Four studies found that local corticosteroid application could decrease the incidence and magnitude of postoperative dysphagia while 1 study showed no effect on dysphagia significantly at 6 weeks and 3 months follow-up time. A total of 2325 patients received local corticosteroid intraoperatively; no early corticosteroid-related complication was reported. Totally, 4 adverse events occurred in long-term follow-up time, including 2 bone nonunion at 1.5 and 2.5 years postoperatively, 2 esophageal perforation at 2 months and 11 months of follow-up, respectively. Local corticosteroid application can reduce the incidence and severity of dysphagia following ACSS without increasing early corticosteroid-related complications. But further high-quality study is necessary to analyze potential delayed complications.

Comparison of Patient-Reported Postoperative Dysphagia in Patients Undergoing One-Level Versus Two-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with the Zero-P Implant System.

To investigate whether dysphagia differs between one-level and two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with the Zero Profile (Zero-P) Implant System. A retrospective analysis of 208 patients who underwent ACDF with the Zero-P Implant System and had at least one year of follow-up was performed from January 2013 to December 2018. The patients were divided into two groups based on the number of operated levels (one-level group, N = 86; two-level group, N = 122). Dysphagia was assessed based on the Bazaz grading system. The incidence of dysphagia and the severity of dysphagia at each follow-up were compared between the two groups. The patients were divided into two groups (nondysphagia group, N = 160; dysphagia group, N = 48), and covariates were obtained for multivariate analysis, including demographic parameters, surgical parameters, and radiographic parameters. The results showed that the incidence and severity of postoperative dysphagia in the two-level group were significantly greater at 1week, 1month and 3months postoperatively than those in the one-level group. The results of ordinal logistic regression showed that older age, two-level surgery, greater prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) and the difference between the postoperative and preoperative C2-7 angle (dC2-7A) were significantly associated with a higher incidence of dysphagia after ACDF with the Zero-P. Two-level ACDF with the Zero-P can result in a significantly greater incidence and severity of transient postoperative dysphagia. Older age, greater PSTS and the dC2-7A were also associated with postoperative dysphagia after ACDF with the Zero-P.

Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling Can Be Predicted after Extubation According to the Postoperative Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling before Extubation in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling Can Be Predicted after Extubation According to the Postoperative Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling before Extubation in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Acute longus colli tendinitis and otolaryngology

IntroductionAcute longus colli tendinitis is caused by calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in the tendon of the longus colli muscle with subsequent inflammation. The calcifications are commonly located at the superior oblique portion at the level of the C1–C2 vertebrae. The typical clinical presentation consists of acute neck pain, odynophagia, and painful limitation of neck range of motion. ObjectivesWe will describe this disease with three that cases presented to our institution and compare the findings on imaging studies. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data, radiological features, and laboratory reports of three patients diagnosed with acute longus colli tendinitis. Computed tomography and plain radiographs were reviewed and compared by a single radiologist. A contemporary review of the literature was conducted using PubMed (Medline), Embase, and Cochrane library databases. ResultsComputed tomography showed greater sensitivity for the detection of the pathognomonic calcification than plain radiographs and facilitated the exclusion of other more severe conditions by following a systematic interpretation composed of five key elements. Plain radiographs showed non-specific signs of prevertebral soft tissue swelling and a decreased cervical lordotic curve. However, no calcification was identified on plain radiographs. The literature review revealed 153 articles containing 372 cases. Surgical or invasive procedures were mentioned in 13.7% of publications and were performed in 28 patients. ConclusionAcute longus colli tendinitis can mimic the clinical presentation of more severe conditions that the otolaryngologist may be required to evaluate, such as infectious, traumatic, and neoplastic diseases. Knowledge of this entity, with its pathognomonic imaging findings, can prevent misdirected medical therapy and unnecessary invasive procedures.

Retained gastrostomy bumper resulting in esophageal fistula and spinal osteomyelitis

Abstract Background We report a case of spinal osteomyelitis and fistulous tract between the esophagus and prevertebral soft tissues secondary to an esophageal foreign body. This resulted from a retained gastrostomy bumper that broke on removal of the tube seven years earlier. Case presentation A 9-year-old male with Troyer Syndrome and developmental delay presented to his pediatrician with the refusal to bear weight and new onset torticollis, and was referred to our institution for further evaluation. He was admitted for further workup due to concern for a neurological process. Imaging revealed osteomyelitis of T3/T4 and inflammatory changes in the posterior mediastinum with possible communication with the esophagus. His gastrostomy tube (GT) was converted to a gastrojejunal tube (GJT) for post-pyloric feeding. He acutely worsened after this procedure, and further radiographic imaging revealed a retained foreign body in the esophagus. An upper endoscopy was subsequently performed with snare removal of the object, identified as the bumper of a previous gastrostomy tube. This esophageal foreign body caused esophageal erosion leading to creation of a fistulous tract with nidus for infection spread posteriorly. The patient underwent prolonged treatment for the infection, with improvement in his presenting symptoms, and eventually resumed gastrostomy feeding. Conclusion Retained foreign body following gastrostomy removal, while typically does not warrant further investigation, may present with significant sequelae if retained especially in children with developmental delay and feeding difficulties.

An Unexpected Smile

Question: A 79-year-old man with a history of diabetes and dyslipidemia experienced painful swelling in the left knee after falling onto the ground. He noticed that his dentures were missing after the fall; however, he could not recall whether he swallowed the dentures. Consequently, he was sent to the emergency department and diagnosed with a quadriceps tendon rupture and periosteal sleeve avulsion fracture of the left patella. A lateral view of the neck did not reveal any radiopaque lesion, and the prevertebral soft tissue thickness remained normal (Figure A).