A Rare Form of Pott’s Disease With Multifaceted Pathological Complications

Abstract

While tuberculosis is globally very prevalent, especially in the developing world, tuberculosis of the central nervous system (CNS) (including Pott's `disease) is an extremely rare occurrence for neurology/neurosurgery departments in the modern era. It is normally treated via rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol (RIPE) therapy with the need for surgical intervention deemed by the presence of neurological deficiency or abscess, spinal instability, or significant kyphosis. Here we describe a case of an elderly woman with Pott's disease and a history of HIV presenting with neurologic deficiencies in both legs and an infected mass causing mid-thoracic compression and kyphotic deformity. The presence of a compromised immune system greatly complicates treatment and worsens outcomes. The patient underwent trans-thoracic corpectomy for decompression and mass removal. Spinal realignment was accomplished with an anterior graft, using the patient's rib, preceding posterior stabilization with instrumentation. Postoperatively, the patient received RIPE therapy. Despite a compromised immune system, the full neurologic function of both legs was restored in four months.