Brucellosis is a systemic infection, caused by facultative intra-cellular bacteria of the genus Brucella that can involve many organs and tissues. The spine is the most common site of musculoskeletal involvement, followed by the sacroiliac joints. The aim of this study is to describe the imaging features of Brucella Spondylodiscitis with emphasis on characteristic signs.

Brucellosis is a disorder of worldwide distribution, relatively frequent in Mediterranean countries, in Middle East and parts of central and south America [1]. Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused in humans by one of four species of the Brucella genus: B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. canis and B. suis. B. melitensis is the most virulent and invasive [2]. Brucella organisms are found in the excreta of infected animals (urine, stool, milk and products of conception). Human can be affected by direct contact with infected animals or...

Radiographic manifestations usually appear 3 weeks to 5 weeks after the onset of clinical symptoms. The lower lumbar spine is the preferential location. The focal erosions of the superior or inferior vertebral body angle (brucellar epiphysitis) are characteristic of brucellosis. (Fig. 1). Focal anterior or diffuse disc collapse is very frequent but late and moderate. A vacuum phenomenon may be observed, especially in the anterior part of the disc, possibly secondary to ischaemic changes in the disc, with subsequent necrosis (Fig. 1) [4]. Bone destruction...

Clinical and imaging features help to suspect this rare and potentially severe entity that requires a specific treatment. Only rapid and effective management may prevent irreversible neurological and bony complications. Diagnostic confirmation relies on bacteriological and immunological studies.

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