Multifocal extensive spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease) involving cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae

Abstract

An unusual case is reported of a 53-year-old woman presenting with spinal tuberculosis involving cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The patient originally presented with progressive quadriparesis, fever, night sweats and weight loss. Imaging studies demonstrated vertebral body destruction with and without paraspinal and/or intraspinal abscess in cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. The laboratory studies confirmed the diagnosis of Pott's disease and the patient was placed on anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. The anterior approach was used for removal of the infected necrotic material, bone grafting and instrumentation, in both cervical and thoracic vertebrae. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient made an excellent neurological recovery. The present report is of the first published case of an extensive spinal tuberculosis involving cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.