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03:47
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
Epidural tuberculosis involving the entire spine
Jacob Mathew1, Pradipta Tripathy, Sarvpreet Grewal
1Dept. of Neurosurgery, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. jacobemathew@gmail.com
Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska
|January 8, 2010
Summary
This study reports a rare case of spinal tuberculosis affecting the entire spine. Early diagnosis and treatment led to significant neurological recovery in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Spinal tuberculosis is a serious infection that can lead to severe neurological deficits.
- Disseminated spinal tuberculosis involving the entire epidural space is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- An elderly male presented with severe back pain, paraparesis, and urinary retention due to L5-S1 spinal tuberculosis.
- The tuberculosis disseminated throughout the epidural space, causing compression from the cervical to the sacral regions.
- Initial L5 laminectomy and abscess evacuation were followed by C4-7 laminectomy for cervical compression.
Findings:
- The patient received a four-drug anti-tubercular treatment regimen.
- At 6-month follow-up, marked neurological improvement was observed.
- Whole-spine MRI confirmed complete resolution of the tubercular pathology.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for contiguous epidural involvement of the entire spine in tuberculosis.
- Screening the entire spine is recommended for select spinal tuberculosis cases based on clinical presentation.
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