Atypical Presentation of Cervical Pott’s Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Tuberculous spondylitis, also known as Pott’s disease, is due to infection of the spine by mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) leading to vertebral body and inter-vertebral disc destruction. It is the most common form of musculoskeletal tuberculosis most frequently affecting the thoracolumbar spine and is commoner in young people. Onset of this condition is insidious and its clinical presentation is non specific. However, Pott’s disease may be complicated by neurologic deficits including paraplegia or even quadriplegia, with huge health, economic and psychological burden. Following is a case report of Pott’s disease involving the cervical spine in a 33-year old farmer presenting unusually with paraplegia and a negative Mantoux test. It is reported because this very uncommon condition is highly treatable, and there is need for a raised index of suspicion in order to diagnose this condition early, thus limiting its complications. The role of MRI in diagnosis of Pott’s disease is also highlighted.