Spinal Deformity Manifested by Urinary Tract Infection: A Case of Acute-on-Chronic Mobility Dysfunction

TL;DR

A 53-year-old diabetic man with mobility issues and a urinary tract infection was found to have a spinal deformity causing his symptoms.

Contribution

The case highlights the use of vertical and horizontal tracing in diagnosing complex comorbidities and integrating social support systems.

Findings

MRI revealed spinal canal narrowing due to ossification and skeletal hyperostosis.

Comorbidities like diabetes were explored through horizontal tracing.

Social security systems were integrated under diagnostic excellence.

Abstract

A 53-year-old man with diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department with a fever and impaired mobility. A preliminary diagnosis of urinary tract infection was made based on dysuria and pyuria. History-taking revealed a history of gait disturbance and difficult urination. A thorough physical examination suggested a spinal abnormality. MRI scan revealed a narrow spinal canal due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Throughout the diagnostic process, we employed both vertical tracing to investigate the causes of urinary tract infection and horizontal tracing to explore comorbidities such as diabetes. Additionally, we introduced appropriate social security and support systems under the name of diagnostic excellence.

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