cefepime and Pharyngeal-Neoplasms

Esophageal strictures are a common sequela of chemoradiation and/or surgery to the head and neck cancers and can lead to stenosis and significant dysphagia. Endoscopic dilation endoscopic and placement of self-expanding stents are often to used relieve dysphagia symptoms. However, these stents are not without risks and complications.. We present a case of a 58-year-old man who had the rare complication of cervical osteomyelitis as a result of plastic esophageal stent placement for palliation of chemoradiation-induced strictures.. The patient was successfully managed with immobilization of the cervical spine in a halo vest and appropriate antibiotics.. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cervical spine osteomyelitis after self-expanding plastic stent (SEPS) placement for esophageal stricture. It was successfully treated with immobilization and antibiotic therapy. The treating physician should be aware of this rare complication to make an early diagnosis. Literature on esophageal stent-induced cervical osteomyelitis is reviewed.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cefepime; Cephalosporins; Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; Deglutition Disorders; Esophageal Stenosis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osteomyelitis; Palliative Care; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Stents; Vancomycin