DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.26.00200 ISSN: 2160-3251

Delayed Complication of Near-Drowning Following a Car Crash: Spondylodiscitis by Scedosporium apiospermum

Jeroen D. R. Koning, Thomas P. A. Baltes, Leo Geeraedts, Frederike van Daalen, Erika van Elzakker, Agnita Stadhouder
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Case:

A 20-year-old immunocompetent man developed spondylodiscitis 2 months after near-drowning with vehicular submersion. Scedosporium species identified in sputum during admission was initially considered colonization. Diagnosis was eventually confirmed through biopsy. Treatment with voriconazole was discontinued prematurely at 6 weeks due to an allergic reaction, but clinical recovery was favorable at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

Approximately 15 cases of Scedosporium apiospermum spondylodiscitis have been reported, with a minority occurring in immunocompetent patients following near-drowning. This case highlights that pathogens identified after submersion should not be dismissed as colonization, as delayed invasive infection may occur even in immunocompetent individuals.

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