Successive complications after anterior cervical fixation: pharyngoesophageal diverticulum, fistulization, and cervical spondylitis by Streptococcus milleri – case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Pharyngoesophageal diverticulum is an uncommon complication after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient was a 48-year-old woman with two previous cervical surgeries with fixation of C4-C5 and C5-C6, the last one in 2003. Two years after surgery, she presented with arthralgia, arthritis, chills, and fluctuating rash. In 2007, she presented with dysphagia, halitosis, and sputum production. She was diagnosed with a pharyngoesophageal diverticulum with a fistula to C6 vertebra and secondary spondylitis. She was taken for open surgery with removal of screws and plates, cricopharyngeal myotomy, and esophageal repair. Streptococcus milleri grew in tissue and osteosynthetic material. She received 4 months of amoxicillin and probenecid and had a complete recovery. Since 1991, 19 similar cases have been reported with one fatality. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of diverticulum complicated with fistula and secondary spondylitis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a history of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion complaining of dysphagia, even years after surgery, it is mandatory to perform an esophagogram. This symptom was referred to in 88% of the cases reported in the literature.