Multifocal Noncontiguous Spinal Tuberculosis

Shutao Gao Department of Spine Surgery, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, Urumqi, China

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Yukun Hu Department of Spine Surgery, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, Urumqi, China

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Weibin Sheng Department of Spine Surgery, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, Urumqi, China

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A 43-year-old man presented to the outpatient department after 2 months of back pain. He denied any medical history of tuberculosis (TB). Physical examination showed no neurological deficit. Laboratory tests indicated a normal white cell count, an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; 40 mm/hour), and an elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP; 81 mg/L). In addition, the interferon-γ release assay (T-spot test) was positive. Pulmonary computed tomography (CT) did not show a TB focus. Sagittal CT scans indicated bony destruction in the C5, C6, T3, T10, T12, and L1 vertebrae (Figure 1A–C). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations suggested abnormal signal intensity in multiple vertebrae (Figure 1D and E) and a fusiform paraspinal abscess at the T1–T4 vertebrae (Figure 1D and F). Axial CT and MRI scans at the L4/5 intervertebral level indicated a massive psoas abscess (Figure 1G and H).

Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Preoperative CT and MRI scans. (A–C) Sagittal CT images indicate bony destruction in the C5, C6, T3, T10, T12, and L1 vertebrae. (D and E) Preoperative sagittal MRI indicates high signal intensity in multiple vertebrae and a fusiform paraspinal abscess in front of the T1–T4 vertebrae. (F) Axial MRI scan at the T4 vertebra level indicate a paravertebral abscess (white arrow). (G and H) Axial CT and MRI scans at the L4/5 intervertebral level indicate a massive psoas abscess (white arrow). CT = computed tomography; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging.

Citation: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 109, 5; 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0060

With a high suspicion of spinal TB, anti-TB chemotherapy (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide) was prescribed. In the following 2 weeks, the patient’s back pain did not resolve. Given the intolerable back pain and large psoas abscess, surgical treatment was recommended. The patient underwent one-stage anterior approach debridement of the psoas abscess followed by posterior debridement, bone grafting, and internal fixation for the T12/L1 vertebrae. Histopathological examination showed granulomata with multinucleated giant cells, supporting the diagnosis of spinal TB (Figure 2), and anti-TB chemotherapy was continued. The patient’s symptoms significantly improved postoperatively. At 12-month follow-up, the ESR and CRP values had decreased to normal levels. Computed tomography images suggested that the bony destruction had significantly improved (Figure 3A and B) and the psoas abscess was cured (Figure 3C and D).

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Histopathological examination showed granulomata with multinucleated giant cells (40×).

Citation: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 109, 5; 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0060

Figure 3.
Figure 3.

CT images at 12-month follow-up. (A and B) Sagittal CT images suggest the bony destruction improved in the C5, C6, T3, T10, T12, and L1 vertebrae, and bony fusion was achieved between the T12 and L1 vertebrae. (C and D) Coronal and axial CT scans indicate that the psoas abscess was cured (white arrows). CT = computed tomography.

Citation: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 109, 5; 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0060

Despite Garg et al.1 reporting that multifocal noncontiguous spinal TB accounted for 2.8% of overall cases, disease involving the whole spine is rarely reported.2 If not properly treated, affected individuals may suffer from progressive kyphotic deformity, neurological deficits, and disability.3 Treatments for spinal TB include medication and surgery. Anti-TB chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, although for patients with a progressive neurological deficit, large abscess, and intolerable pain, surgical treatment becomes inevitable.4 After surgery, regular and long-term anti-TB chemotherapy and close follow-up are encouraged.

REFERENCES

  • 1.↑

    Garg B, Mehta N, Mukherjee RN, Swamy AM, Siamwala BS, Malik G, 2022. Epidemiological insights from 1,652 patients with spinal tuberculosis managed at a single center: a retrospective review of 5-year data. Asian Spine J 16: 162–172.

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  • 2.↑

    Sonawane D, Garg B, Jadhav K, 2020. Extend of skipped multifocal noncontiguous spinal tuberculosis beyond imagination: a rare case report and literature review. Asian J Neurosurg 15: 136–139.

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    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.↑

    Rajasekaran S, Soundararajan DCR, Shetty AP, Kanna RM, 2018. Spinal tuberculosis: current concepts. Global Spine J 8 (Suppl ):96s–108s.

  • 4.↑

    Dunn RN, Ben Husien M, 2018. Spinal tuberculosis: review of current management. Bone Joint J 100: 425–431.

Author Notes

Authors’ addresses: Shutao Gao, Yukun Hu, and Weibin Sheng, Department of Spine Surgery, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, Urumqi, China, E-mails: gaoshutoo@126.com, 602238457@qq.com, and wbsheng@vip.sina.com.

Address correspondence to Weibin Sheng, Department of Spine Surgery, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, 137 Liyushan Ave., Xinshi District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China. E-mail: wbsheng@vip.sina.com
  • Figure 1.

    Preoperative CT and MRI scans. (A–C) Sagittal CT images indicate bony destruction in the C5, C6, T3, T10, T12, and L1 vertebrae. (D and E) Preoperative sagittal MRI indicates high signal intensity in multiple vertebrae and a fusiform paraspinal abscess in front of the T1–T4 vertebrae. (F) Axial MRI scan at the T4 vertebra level indicate a paravertebral abscess (white arrow). (G and H) Axial CT and MRI scans at the L4/5 intervertebral level indicate a massive psoas abscess (white arrow). CT = computed tomography; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging.

  • Figure 2.

    Histopathological examination showed granulomata with multinucleated giant cells (40×).

  • Figure 3.

    CT images at 12-month follow-up. (A and B) Sagittal CT images suggest the bony destruction improved in the C5, C6, T3, T10, T12, and L1 vertebrae, and bony fusion was achieved between the T12 and L1 vertebrae. (C and D) Coronal and axial CT scans indicate that the psoas abscess was cured (white arrows). CT = computed tomography.

  • 1.

    Garg B, Mehta N, Mukherjee RN, Swamy AM, Siamwala BS, Malik G, 2022. Epidemiological insights from 1,652 patients with spinal tuberculosis managed at a single center: a retrospective review of 5-year data. Asian Spine J 16: 162–172.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 2.

    Sonawane D, Garg B, Jadhav K, 2020. Extend of skipped multifocal noncontiguous spinal tuberculosis beyond imagination: a rare case report and literature review. Asian J Neurosurg 15: 136–139.

    • PubMed
    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • 3.

    Rajasekaran S, Soundararajan DCR, Shetty AP, Kanna RM, 2018. Spinal tuberculosis: current concepts. Global Spine J 8 (Suppl ):96s–108s.

  • 4.

    Dunn RN, Ben Husien M, 2018. Spinal tuberculosis: review of current management. Bone Joint J 100: 425–431.

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