Successful treatment of total paraplegic patient due to tuberculous spondylitis

Abstract

A 12-year-old boy presented with progressive disability to walk for four months, which was so severe that he could no longer perform daily activities. No respiratory symptom was found. On physical examination, there was a soft tissue mass in the thoracic vertebrae. Physiological reflexes of both limbs were diminished. Tuberculin skin test was positive with a 12 mm induration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed a kyphotic cervico-thoracal region with predominantly anterior paravertebral mass that was enhanced with contrast, compressing the spinal cord at level Th-3 and Th-4, suggestive of tuberculous spondylitis. He was treated with regular anti-tuberculosis drugs. In the first four months, he began being able to sit, and two months later, he could walk again. After 12 months of treatment without surgery, MRI showed no more compression of the spine and remarkable resolution of paravertebral soft tissue mass. He then resumed his daily life again.