A Rare Case of Thoracolumbar Epidural Abscess with Tuberculous Etiology in an Adolescent Male with Neurological Deficit.

INTRODUCTION

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) refers to collection of infection of the epidural space due to various etiologies. Tuberculosis (TB) of the spine is one of the important causes of SEA. Patient with SEA usually presents with history of fever, back pain, difficulty in walking, and neurological weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the initial modality for diagnosis and it can be confirmed by examination of abscess for microorganism growth. It can be treated by laminectomy and decompression which helps to drain out the pus and relive the compression on the cord.

CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old male, student by profession, presented with a history of low back pain and progressive difficulty in walking for the past 12 days and lower limb weakness for the past 8 days associated with fever, generalized weakness, and malaise. Computed tomography brain and whole spine showed no significant changes MRI left facetal joint of L3 L4 vertebrae infective arthritis with abnormal soft-tissue collection in the posterior epidural region extending from D11-L5 vertebrae causing compression on the thecal sac, cauda equine nerve roots, and represents infective abscess with abnormal soft-tissue collection in the posterior paraspinal region and left psoas muscles representing infective abscess. Patient was taken for emergency decompression with clearance of abscess through posterior approach. Laminectomy was done extending from D11 TO L5 vertebrae and thick pus was drained through multiple pockets. Samples pus and soft tissue were sent for investigation. Pus culture ZN and Gram's stain did not show growth of any organism, but GeneXpert was positive for growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Patient was registered under RNTCP program and anti TB drugs were started as per the weight scale. Sutures were removed on post-operative day 12 and neurological evaluation was done for any signs of improvement. Patient showed improvement of power in both lower limb; power 5/5 on the right lower limb whereas 4/5 in the left lower limb. Patient also had improvements in other symptoms and has no complaints of back ache and malaise at discharge.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculous thoracolumbar epidural abscess is a rare disease with potential to cause lifelong vegetative state if diagnosis and treatment is not done promptly. Surgical decompression by unilateral laminectomy and evacuation of collection is both diagnostic and therapeutic.