Intramedullary pott's abscess: A case study

Abstract

Central Nervous System (CNS) Tuberculosis (TB) is rare. It manifests in many forms, but the association between intramedullar y abscess and multifocal Pott's disease is exceptional. We report the case of a 23-year old female patient diagnosed with multifocal Pott's disease at L2-L3 and L4-L5 based on computed tomography (CT) scan of the spine. She received antituberculous treatment. Two months after the beginning of treatment spinal cord compression occurred. Medullary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, which showed intramedullary abscess at T4. She underwent surgery with drainage of intramedullary abscess and spinal stabilization. Outcome was favorable, during the 12-month follow-up. The association between intramedullary abscess and multifocal Pott's disease is exceptional. Treatment is based on anti-tuberculous drugs, surgery for spinal decompression and/or spine stabilization if possible.