Cervical spinal tuberculous abscess managed successfully by conservative approach

Abstract

Purpose. To draw attention to the increasing number of cases of spinal tuberculosis by an additional case presentation of cervical tuberculous abscess.

Method. A 54-year-old diabetic woman with neck and arm pain, weakness in four limbs was diagnosed spinal tuberculosis. MRI demonstrated epidural mass at C4-C5 level with destruction of these vertebral bodies. Diagnosis was confirmed by the clinical improvement after administration of antituberculous drugs.

Results. After the drug therapy, improvement was observed in her neurological status. Follow-up MRI studies after 3 and 5 months showed disappearance of the mass lesion.

Conclusions. To treat this spinal infection effectively, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Early diagnosis increases the chance of conservative therapy. In our case, despite neurological complications, management was accomplished by nonoperative approach.

Keywords:

• Tuberculous spondylitis
• cervical spine
• spinal epidural abscess
• spinal cord compression