Ureteric stent associated spondylodiscitis

This case report describes a clinical presentation of spondylodiscitis, following an emergency ureteric stent placement for an infected and obstructed kidney in a woman in her late 70s who presented with right flank pain, raised inflammatory markers and an acute kidney injury. Non-contrast CT kidney, ureters and bladder (KUB) revealed a 9 mm obstructing stone and prompt decompression with a JJ stent was performed. Although the urine culture showed no growth at first, an extended spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli was found in a subsequent urine culture after discharge. Postoperatively, the patient described a novel, worsening lower back pain and had persistently elevated inflammatory markers. An MRI revealed spondylodiscitis of L5/S1, for which she was treated with a 6-week course of antibiotics, and she has made a good but slow recovery. This case shows the unusual finding of spondylodiscitis postureteric stent placement and clinicians should be aware of this rare complication.