Is the discopathy associated with Modic changes an infectious process? Results from a prospective monocenter study.

Background: The local infectious origin and the putative role of Cutibacterium acnes (CA) of a particular subtype of discopathy (Modic 1) are still debated.

Purpose: To establish the association of CA in intervertebral disc (IVD) and Modic 1 discopathy in patients with low back pain.

Methods: The prevalence of bacteria in IVD samples obtained by anterior approach in patient with chronic low back pain harboring Modic type 1, 2 or no Modic changes was compared to that measured in IVD samples obtained by posterior approach for sciatica.

Crystal-induced arthritis after arthroplasty: 7 cases.

Objectives: To describe the occurrence in prosthetic joints of crystal-induced arthritis (CIA) defined as the deposition within the synovial membrane and/or joint cavity of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) (chondrocalcinosis), sodium urate (gout), or hydroxyapatite.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the 7 cases of prosthetic-joint CIA seen between 1993 and 2013 at a medical-surgical center specialized in the management of osteoarticular infections.

Results: The 4 females and 3 males ranged in age from 67 to 79 years.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in autoimmune diseases.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a subacute central nervous system infection due to reactivation of the JC virus. Most reported cases occurred in HIV-infected patients (80% of cases), patients with lymphoid malignancies (13%) and transplant recipients taking immunosuppressants (5%). Less often, PML has been described in patients with chronic inflammatory joint diseases associated with autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and vasculitis) (2%).