Late onset paraplegia--a sequela to Pott's disease. A report on imaging, prevention and management

Late onset paraplegia is a neurological complication that develops after a variable period in a patient with healed tuberculous disease of the vertebrae. In this retrospective analysis clinical features, imaging in diagnosis and treatment of this condition are described among 5 cases seen over a period of 5 years. This complication occurred even after successful treatment of initial spinal lesions with rifampicin-containing regimens. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in pinpointing the exact pathology; one case had syrinx and two cases had marked internal gibbus with cord atrophy. Of the two cases who accepted surgical treatment, one improved.