Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
07:50

A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts

Published on: September 20, 2018

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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...