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Pott disease in a 13-month-old: case report
Giac Consigilieri1, Udaya K Kakarla, Nicholas Theodore
1Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA.
Neurosurgery
|February 11, 2011
Summary
Pott disease, a spinal tuberculosis, can affect very young children. Surgical intervention in a 13-month-old with paraplegia led to independent ambulation and deformity stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal tuberculosis, known as Pott disease, is a common Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
- Pott disease most frequently affects the spine, presenting a significant challenge in pediatric cases.
- This case highlights the youngest documented patient with naturally acquired Pott disease in the United States.
Observation:
- A 13-month-old boy presented with paraplegia and diagnosed tuberculosis.
- Imaging revealed a midthoracic kyphotic gibbus deformity causing severe spinal cord compression.
- The patient underwent urgent decompressive laminectomies, corpectomies, strut grafting, and posterior instrumentation.
Findings:
- Post-operatively, the patient showed significant neurological recovery.
- At 18 months follow-up, the child was ambulating independently for short distances.
- The spinal deformity demonstrated no further progression after surgical management.
Implications:
- Pott disease requires consideration even in very young pediatric patients.
- Surgical management is crucial for addressing neurological deficits and spinal instability in pediatric Pott disease.
- Early intervention can lead to favorable outcomes, including functional recovery and deformity control.
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