Cervical Spinal Epidural Abscess Due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis without Osseous Involvement: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2016 Jul-Sep;6(3):e79. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.15.00287.

Abstract

Case: We present a rare case of cervical spinal epidural abscess due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis without osseous involvement that was treated with decompression and arthrodesis in a 2-stage procedure.

Conclusion: Spinal epidural abscess due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the least common of the various forms of spinal tuberculosis. This abscess represents a severe infection of the epidural space that can compromise neural elements and can require urgent surgical intervention to avoid permanent neurological deficits. Early diagnosis and early decompression remain the 2 most important predictors of a successful neurological outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / microbiology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Epidural Abscess / diagnostic imaging*
  • Epidural Abscess / microbiology
  • Epidural Abscess / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification*