Pott’s disease in a patient with muscle weakness

Abstract

Spinal tuberculosis is an extrapulmonary form of the disease that affects the vertebrae. It is also known as Pott’s disease. We present a case of an 84-year old male with a one-month history of progressive weakness in both legs, which disabled ambulation, along with lumbar pain. On enquiry, he complained of chronic respiratory symptoms. Active pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed and, after a long hospital stay, diagnosis of Pott’s disease was made by magnetic resonance imaging and bone biopsy. All in all, a thorough medical history along with appropriate diagnostic studies, may lead to a prompt diagnosis and treatment, reducing morbidity and mortality.