The Relative Lymphocyte Count is Lower when the Etiological Agent in Pott Disease is Successfully Isolated / O número relativo de linfócitos é menor quando o agente etiológico da doença de Pott é isolado com sucesso

Abstract Objective To describe the clinico-epidemiological, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of tuberculous spondylodiscitis in the Brazilian population, and to assess whether there are differences between patients in whom the etiological agent in Pott disease was isolated or not. Methods Patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) of the spine (Pott disease) underwent follow-up between 2009 and 2019 at a quaternary hospital and were divided into 2 groups: successful isolation (SI) of the etiological agent (through bacilloscopy, culture, or positive molecular rapid test) and unsuccessful isolation (UI) of the etiological agent. Results From a total of 26 patients diagnosed with TB of the spine, 21 (80.7%) were male, with a mean age of 40 ± 22.5 years. The average lymphocyte counts were higher in the UI group (25.35 ± 13.08; p= 0.025) compared to the SI group (14.18 ± 7.48). Moreover, the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio was lower in the UI group (0.39 ± 0.22; p= 0.009) than in the SI group (0.89 ± 0.65). Relative lymphocyte counts higher than or equal to 16.7 had a sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 62.5% in the UI group. Values higher than or equal to 0.58 for the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio showed a sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 75.0% in the UI group. Conclusion No differences were observed regarding the clinico-epidemiological and radiological characteristics of the two experimental groups. However, the UI group had higher lymphocyte counts and a lower monocyte/lymphocyte ratio.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas, laboratoriais e radiológicas da espondilodiscite tuberculosa na população brasileira e avaliar se há diferenças entre pacientes em que o agente etiológico da doença de Pott foi isolado ou não. Métodos Os pacientes diagnosticados com tuberculose (TB) da coluna (doença de Pott) foram acompanhados em um hospital quaternário entre 2009 e 2019 e divididos em 2 grupos: isolamento positivo (IP) do agente etiológico (por baciloscopia, cultura ou teste rápido molecular positivo) e isolamento negativo (IN) do agente etiológico. Resultados De um total de 26 pacientes com diagnóstico de TB da coluna, 21 (80,7%) eram do sexo masculino, e a média de idade era de 40 ± 22,5 anos. As contagens médias de linfócitos foram maiores no grupo IN (25,35 ± 13,08; p= 0,025) do que no grupo IP (14,18 ± 7,48). Além disso, a relação monócito/linfócito foi menor no grupo IN (0,39 ± 0,22; p= 0,009) do que no grupo IP (0,89 ± 0,65). O número relativo de linfócitos maior ou igual a 16,7 teve sensibilidade de 76,9% e especificidade de 62,5% no grupo IN. A razão monócito/linfócito maior ou igual a 0,58 teve sensibilidade de 84,6% e especificidade de 75,0% no grupo IN. Conclusão Não observamos diferenças em relação às características clínico-epidemiológicas e radiológicas entre os dois grupos experimentais. No entanto, o grupo IN apresentou maior número de linfócitos e menor razão monócito/linfócito.

Aspects morphologiques du mal de pott chez l'adulte congolais à Brazzaville

Objectif. Décrire les aspects morphologiques du mal de Pott chez l'adulte à Brazzaville. Patients et méthodes. Étude transversale descriptive, rétrospective menée dans les services de rhumatologie du CHU de Brazzaville, du 1er janvier 2013 au 30 juin 2017, soit 4 ans et 6 mois. Ont été inclus les dossiers des patients d'âge au moins égal à 18 ans, ayant un diagnostic du mal de Pott retenu sur la base des arguments anamnestiques, cliniques, paracliniques, évolutifs et thérapeutiques. Les variables d'étude étaient: le siège, le nombre de localisations, l'aspect de l'atteinte disco-vertébrale. Résultats. Cent dix (110) dossiers ont été retenus. La fréquence hospitalière du mal de Pott était de 6,4%. Il y avait 62 hommes (56,4%) et 48 femmes (43,6%). L'âge moyen était de 46  16 ans (extrêmes : 20-80 ans). Le délai moyen du diagnostic était de 6,6 mois (ET : 5 mois ; extrêmes: 1-26 mois). Le syndrome rachidien était présent dans 109 cas (99,1%). Tous les patients ont réalisé une radiographie standard du rachis. La tomodensitométrie a été obtenue chez 28 patients (25,5%) et l'imagerie par résonance magnétique chez 23 patients (20,9%). Un aspect morphologique typique de spondylodiscite était présent dans 76 cas (69,1%), associant un pincement discal (60%), une érosion (40%) et une déminéralisation (19, 1%). Les formes atypiques étaient retrouvées dans 34 cas (30,9%), dominées par l'aspect de spondylite dans 21 cas (61,8%). Conclusion. Le mal de Pott à Brazzaville prend souvent l'aspect d'une spondylodiscite et plus rarement d'une spondylite. L'imagerie permet de faire le diagnostic positif et le bilan lésionnel

Reporte de caso de enfermedad de Pott en vértebras torácicas altas en un niño de dos años / Pott's Disease in Upper Thoracic Vertebrae in a Two-Year-Old Boy: Case Report

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Pott es un problema de salud en países en desarrollo y su diagnóstico en niños es un desafío. Presentamos el caso de un niño de dos años de edad, con enfermedad de Pott que compromete vértebras torácicas de T1 a T3. El cuadro clínico se caracterizó por dificultad para caminar, fiebre, tos y disnea. Al examen físico, se evidenció cifosis y prominencia ósea en la región cervicodorsal. Se obtuvo una prueba de tuberculina positiva y se aisló Mycobacterium tuberculosis en el cultivo del aspirado gástrico. La resonancia de columna vertebral mostró un absceso frio, destrucción de dos vértebras y compresión de la médula espinal. El paciente presentó mejoría con la terapia antituberculosa. Resaltamos la importancia de tener en cuenta la sospecha clínica para la detección temprana de esta condición, así como un inicio rápido del tratamiento antituberculoso, para evitar la discapacidad y mortalidad asociada a esta enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Pott's disease is a health problem in developing countries and its diagnosis in children is a challenge. Here we present the case of a two-year-old boy with Pott's disease involving T1 to T3 thoracic vertebrae. The clinical presentation was characterized by difficulty walking, fever, cough, and dyspnea. At physical examination, kyphosis and bony prominence were observed in the cervicodorsal area. A positive tuberculin test was obtained, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated via culture of the gastric aspiration sample. The spine MRI showed a chronic abscess, destruction of two vertebrae, and bone marrow compression. The patient experienced some improvement with anti-TB therapy. Here, we emphasize the importance of giving consideration to the clinical suspicion for the early detection of this condition, as well as a quick TB-treatment start so as to avoid the disability and mortality associated to this disease.

Mal de pott en la provincia del Chaco / Pott’s disease in the province of Chaco

Introducción: la tuberculosis es la séptima causa de muerte mundial. Menos del 1% de los pacientes tiene compromiso raquídeo. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la frecuencia del mal de Pott en la provincia e identificar pautas para regiones similares. Materiales y Métodos: Rastreo de pacientes internados por tuberculosis entre 1996 y 2014, en Hospitales provinciales de cabecera. Revisión de historias de casos raquídeos. Clasificaciones de Frankel y del GATA. Datos de censos nacionales. Revisión bibliográfica. Resultados: Catorce casos: 8 varones/6 mujeres. Edad promedio: 35.4 años (rango 3.8-63). Seguimiento: 2.8 años (1 mes-15 años); un óbito posoperatorio inmediato. Siete pacientes provenían de Departamentos con baja carga de morbilidad de tuberculosis. Síntomas iniciales: déficit neurológico (9 casos), dolor axial o radicular puro (4 casos) y deformidad vertebral pura (1 caso). Frankel al ingreso: E (5 casos), D (2), C (2) y A (5). Localizaciones: torácica, 5; toracolumbar, 6; lumbar, 1; múltiple 2 pacientes. Distribución étnica: 5 caucásicos, 5 aborígenes, 3 criollos, 1 mestizo. Según la Clasificación del GATA: 1 lesión de tipo IB; 4 de tipo II; 8 de tipo III; 1 caso inclasificable. Los pacientes de etnia originaria tuvieron cuadros neurológicos y lesiones GATA más graves. Doce fueron operados; 5 presentaron deformidad secuelar, sin diferencias entre doble instrumentación, instrumentación posterior aislada o sin instrumentación. Al seguimiento: 8 pacientes asintomáticos, 4 fallecidos y 2 con síntomas moderados; no hubo deterioros neurológicos y solo 5 mejorías. Conclusiones: En pacientes de etnia originaria son más frecuentes las formas graves, las presentaciones avanzadas y de tratamiento quirúrgico habitual. La mortalidad es alta.

Introduction: tuberculosis is the seventh leading cause of death. Spinal involvement represents <1% of cases. The objective was to investigate the frequency of Pott´s disease in our province, to typify its profile and to identify guidelines for similar regions. Methods: Identification of all tuberculosis admissions from 1996 to 2014 in the main referral hospitals of our province. Medical records review of all cases with spinal involvement. Frankel and GATA classifications. Data from last national census. Literature review. Results: Fourteen cases: 8 males/6 females. Average age: 35.4 years (range 3.8-63). Follow-up: 2.8 years (range 1 month-15 years); one immediate postoperative death. Seven patients came from low tuberculosis burden Departments. Initial symptoms: neurological impairment (9 cases), pure axial and/or radicular pain (4 cases) and pure spine deformity (1 patient). Initial Frankel: E, 5 cases; D, 2; C, 2; and A, 5 patients. Localization: thoracic, 5; thoraco-lumbar, 6; lumbar, 1; multiple 2 patients. Ethnic distribution: 5 caucasians, 5 natives, 3 creoles, 1 mestizo. According to GATA classification: 1 type IB lesion; 4 type II; 8 type III; one unclassifiable case. Native patients had more severe neurological and GATA lesions. Twelve patients were operated on; 5 had residual deformities without differences among double instrumentation, isolated posterior instrumentation and no instrumentation. At follow-up: 8 asymptomatic cases, 4 deceased and 2 patients with moderate symptoms. No neurological worsening was observed; only 5 patients improved. Conclusions: Severe forms, and advanced and common surgical presentations are more frequent in native patients. Mortality is high.

Mal de Pott chez l'enfant : aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques en chirurgie pédiatrique à Cotonou

Introduction : Le mal de Pott est une forme grave de tuberculose extra-pulmonaire à cause du risque de lésions neurologiques. Patients et méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une étude rétrospective menée sur 10 ans (janvier 2006 à décembre 2015) dans le service de chirurgie pédiatrique du Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM). Nous avons étudié ses caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques chez des sujets âgés de 0 à 15 ans. Résultats : Il a été colligé 20 cas, soit 2 cas/an. L'âge moyen des enfants était de 5,5 ans avec des extrêmes de 9 mois et 15 ans. Ceux de moins de 5 ans étaient les plus atteints (14 cas). Le sex-ratio était de 3. Les douleurs rachidiennes (10 cas) et les tuméfactions du dos (8 cas) étaient les principaux motifs de consultation. La fièvre et la douleur provoquée à la palpation des épineuses vertébrales étaient les signes cliniques les plus résents chacun dans 16 cas/20. Des signes neurologiques étaient notés dans 8 cas. Les signes radiographiques étaient dominés par l'ostéolyse vertébrale et le pincement de l'interligne articulaire. Il a été identifié 1 cas d'image en fuseau. Les lésions siégeaient essentiellement sur le rachis lombaire (8 cas). Le traitement était spécifique et orthopédique. L'évolution était favorable chez 16 patients après un recul moyen de 86 mois. Conclusion : Le mal de Pott est une affection qui doit être vite diagnostiquée et traitée afin d'en éviter les complications qui sont redoutables

Tuberculosis ineection might increase the risk f invasive candidiasis in an immmunocompetent patient / Tuberculose pode aumentar o risco de candidíase invasiva em paciente imunocompetente

Deep Candida infections commonly occur in immunosuppressed patients. A rare case of a multiple deep organ infection with Candida albicans and spinal tuberculosis was reported in a healthy young man. The 19-year-old man complained of month-long fever and lower back pain. He also had a history of scalded mouth syndrome. Coinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans was diagnosed using the culture of aspirates from different regions. Symptoms improved considerably after antifungal and antituberculous therapy. This case illustrates that infection with tuberculosis might impair the host's immune system and increase the risk of invasive candidiasis in an immunocompetent patient.

As infecções profundas por Candida ocorrem geralmente em pacientes imunossuprimidos. Relatamos caso raro de infecções profundas em múltiplos órgãos por Candida albicans e neuro tuberculose em homem jovem saudável. Um jovem de 19 anos de idade queixou-se de febre e lombalgia há um mês. Relatava ainda histórico de síndrome da boca escaldada. Foi diagnosticada co-infecção por Mycobacterium tuberculosis e Candida albicans em cultura do aspirado de diferentes regiões do organismo. Os sintomas melhoraram significativamente após a terapia antifúngica e antituberculosa. Este caso é apresentado para mostrar que a tuberculose pode prejudicar o sistema imune do hospedeiro e aumentar o risco de candidíase invasiva em paciente imunocompetente.

Mal de Pott y diagnóstico inmunológico de tuberculosis, a propósito de un caso pediátrico / Pott's disease and immunological diagnosis of tuberculosis, about a pediatric clinical case

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem in the world. The clinical forms of TB in children are variable, pulmonary involvement occurs in two thirds of cases. In the remaining third, clinical forms incluye node, meningeal and osteoarticular involvement. Case report: 7 year old boy with a history of an osteolytic lesion of the right ischial branch. Three months later he presented with spondylodiscitis at L2-L3, associated with a large abscess in the right iliac psoas muscle. Pott's disease was suspected, and tuberculin test and T-SPOT®.TB test were performed, with a positive result. Antimicrobial treatment was initiated with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. After 30 days, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from psoas abscess. We discuss methods of TB diagnosis, with special emphasis on immunological methods: tuberculin test and interferon-gamma release assays. Methods of immunological TB diagnosis are an important contribution to the diagnosis of this disease, allowing early initiation of treatment.

La tuberculosis sigue siendo un importante problema en salud en el mundo. Las formas clínicas de TBC en los niños son muy variadas, presentándose en dos tercios de los casos compromiso pulmonar. En el tercio restante destacan los compromisos ganglionar, meníngeo y osteoarticular. Caso clínico: varón de 7 años que presentó una espondilodiscitis L2-L3, asociada a un absceso en músculo psoas-ilíaco derecho. Por sospecha de mal de Pott se realizó PPD y T-SPOT®.TB que resultaron positivos. Se inició tratamiento antimicrobiano asociado con isoniazida, rifampicina, pirazinamida y etambutol. Después de 30 días, se aisló Mycobacterium tuberculosis del absceso del psoas. Se discute los métodos de diagnóstico de TBC en pediatría, con especial énfasis en los métodos inmunológicos: reacción de tuberculina y test de liberación de interferón-gamma, los que son una importante contribución para el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad, permitiendo el pronto inicio de su tratamiento.

Multi-Level Noncontiguous Vertebral Tuberculosis in Taif Province, Saudi Arabia: a center study single

Background and aim of the study: Multilevel noncontiguous spinal tuberculosis is an atypical form of the spinal tuberculosis, which leaves not less than two adjacent vertebrae intact between the two foci. The aim of this study is to record the incidence, pattern of presentation, risk factors; and diagnostic tools of multi-level noncontiguous vertebral tuberculosis in a single center [King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital] Taif, Saudi Arabia

Patients and method: In this retrospective chart review study, we reviewed the records and data of all patients presented to King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia from January 2009 to January 2014 and their diagnosis were proved to be spinal tuberculosis

Results: the study included76 patients with spinal tuberculosis; multilevel noncontiguous tuberculosis was detected in 18.4% and a single spinal lesion was identified in the other 81.6%of patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding their demographic, clinical, and their laboratory findings except for the hepatitis B virus [HBV] positivity and elevated serum transaminases which were significantly higher in the multilevel non contagious group of patients. Plain film detected multiple non contagious lesions in 64.3% of patients, and in 35.7%of them, they were first diagnosed as single lesion but MRI detected the multiplicity. The thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were involved in 85.7% of the multilevel lesions and in the other 14.3% of patients the cervical and lumbar involvement was detected. In the single focus group the thoracic and thoracolumbar vertebrae were involved in 75.8% of cases. Diagnosis was confirmed by culture and histopathology

Conclusion: This study suggested a strong relation between hepatitis B and spinal tuberculosis, specially the multilevel non contagious form, however, till similar results of larger series of patients are obtained, the orthopedic surgeon must be with high index of suspicion in patients with spinal tuberculosis to detect multiplicity by MRI and any co infection with hepatitis B virus

Tuberculosis espinal lumbosacra y craneocervical: un clásico imitador en dos localizaciones atípicas / Isolated spinal tuberculosis in the lumbosacral and cranio-cervical hinge regions: a classic copycat in two atypical regions

Two cases of spinal tuberculosis in atypical regions are presented; in the lumbosacral hinge and cranio-cervical regions respectively; focusing on the radiological appearance using Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance. With regard to these atypical presentations, the clinical history, epidemiology and radiology of spinal tuberculosis are reviewed.

Se presentan dos casos de tuberculosis espinal en localizaciones atípicas; la charnela lumbo-sacra y cráneo-cervical respectivamente; centrándonos en su aspecto radiológico por tomografía computarizada (TC) y resonancia magnética. A propósito de estas atípicas presentaciones se revisa la clínica, epidemiología y radiología de la tuberculosis en la columna vertebral.

Spinal tuberculosis; A study of the disease pattern, diagnosis and outcome of medical management in Sri Lanka.

Background: Sri Lanka has an intermediate burden of tuberculous disease. Most patients with spinal tuberculosis (STB) are managed with medical treatment alone as advanced surgical facilities are not freely available. Objective: To describe the clinico-demographic and imaging pattern of STB and to assess the outcome of medical treatment in the local setting. Design: Descriptive case series. Methods: All patients diagnosed with definite or probable STB, had their symptomatology and investigations recorded. They were followed up with anti-TB treatment (ATT) according to standard guidelines. An initial six-week tapering course of steroid was given when there was an evidence of neural involvement. Results: Of 32 patients with STB, backache was the commonest presenting feature (92%). Nine had lower limb neurological deficits. Uni-focal upper lumbar involvement was the commonest disease pattern noted in the series. High ESR (84%) and Mantoux positivity (53%) were frequent. 72% had end-plate changes on imaging. 53% had paraspinal soft tissue components. The triad of backache, high ESR and end-plate and/or paraspinal disease on CT/MRI showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 81.2%. Response to ATT was satisfactory in 87%. Poor neurological response was seen among some with large paraspinal collections or extensive vertebral damage at diagnosis. Conclusion: This study showed that backache over one month, high ESR and specific CT/MRI features helped diagnosis of STB, in the absence of definitive evidence. Medical management alone, comprising a prolonged course of ATT with an initial steroid cover when indicated, appeared to be safe and effective in the local setting for uncomplicated STB.

Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunospot assay for the immunodiagnosis of atypical spinal tuberculosis (atypical clinical presentation/atypical radiographic presentation) in China

BACKGROUND: Atypical spinal tuberculosis (TB) usually presents in a slowly indolent manner with nonspecific clinical presentations making the diagnosis a great challenge for physicians. New technologies for the detection of atypical spinal TB are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of an enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay in clinically suspected cases of atypical spinal TB in China. METHODS: From March 2011 to September 2012, a total of 65 patients with suspected atypical spinal TB were enrolled. In addition to conventional tests for TB, we used ELISPOT assays to measure the IFN-I response to ESAT-γ and CFP-10 in T-cells in samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Patients with suspected atypical spinal TB were classified by diagnostic category. Data on clinical characteristics of the patients and conventional laboratory results were collected. RESULTS: Out of 65 patients, 4 were excluded from the study. 18 (29.5%) subjects had cultureconfirmed TB, 11 (18.0%) subjects had probable TB, and the remaining 32 (52.5%) subjects did not have TB. Generally, the features of atypical spinal TB include the following aspects: (1) worm-eaten destruction of vertebral endplate; (2) destruction of centricity of the vertebral body or concentric collapse of vertebral body; (3) tuberculous abscess with no identifiable osseous lesion; (4) contiguous or skipped vertebral body destruction. 26 patients with atypical spinal TB had available biopsy or surgical specimens for histopathologic examination and 23 (88.5%) specimens had pathologic features consistent with TB infection. The sensitivities of the PPD skin test and ELISPOT assay for atypical spinal TB were 58.6% and 82.8%, and their specificities were 59.4% and 81.3%, respectively. Malnutrition and age were associated with ELISPOT positivity in atypical spinal TB patients. CONCLUSIONS: The ELISPOT assay is a useful adjunct to current tests for diagnosis of atypical spinal TB.

Espondilodiscitis tuberculosa / Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis

La afectación por la tuberculosis de la columna vertebral se denomina espondilodiscitis tuberculosa y es una enfermedad poco frecuente en nuestros días. Objetivo: presentar un paciente con diagnóstico de espondilodiscitis tuberculosa y manifestaciones clínicas de dolor lumbar y fiebre. Presentación del caso: describimos el caso de un paciente masculino de 46 años de edad, que ingresó con dolor lumbar y fiebre de un mes de evolución. Al examen físico se detectaron manifestaciones de compresión radicular L5-S1, prueba de tuberculina con induración de 22 mm, y en la Resonancia Magnética Nuclear se observaron imágenes compatibles con complejo discótico osteomielítico L5-S1. Presentó una evolución favorable con tratamiento médico. Conclusión: la espondilodiscitis debe ser diagnóstico diferencial en todo paciente con dolor lumbar y fiebre...

Tuberculous spondylodiscitis is the condition of tuberculosis in the spine and it is a rare disease today. Objective: to present a patient with a diagnosis of tuberculous spondylodiscitis and clinical manifestations of lumbar pain and fever. Case presentation : a case of a male patient aged 46 is described here. This patient was admitted due to back pain and fever during a month. At physical examination manifestations of L5-S1 nerve root compression were observed. This patient underwent the tuberculin test with induration of 22 mm, and NMR showed images compatible with L5-S1 discotic osteomyelitis complex. He presented a favorable outcome with medical treatment. Conclusions: the differential diagnosis must be spondylodiscitis in all patients with back pain and fever...

Bone tuberculosis: a case report on child

The authors report a case of a 12-year-old child with a complaint of pain and deformity in the lower thoracic region that had lasted for two years. Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics associated with images of apparent damage in the T9-T10 and T11-T12 vertebrae taken by radiography of the thoracic spine and nuclear magnetic resonance in addition to the positivity of the molecular test based on the polymerase chain reaction, led to tuberculous spondylitis being diagnosed and specific therapy was started. Culture of vertebral biopsy was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis after thirty days.

Multifocal tuberculosis: many faces of an old menace

Tuberculosis continues to be a major health problem, and is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the commonest and epidemiologically the most important type of tuberculosis as the source of spread in the community. Some patients presenting with pulmonary tuberculosis also have associated multifocal extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and vice versa. Among these patients, some have predisposing factors for the development of disseminated tuberculosis, such as a heavy Mycobacterial load, weak or impaired innate or acquired immunity owing to diabetes, immune therapies, substance abuse or AIDS. Multifocal tuberculosis is characterized by the presence of large multifocal tuberculosis areas in the same or different adjacent or distant organs. This study presents a series of 20 patients with multifocal tuberculosis. The patients' records were reviewed to locate those with multifocal tuberculosis as well as pulmonary tuberculosis during the period between 4/2003 and 12/2010. A total of 1,388 patients with confirmed open pulmonary tuberculosis were admitted at the tuberculosis center within the Dammam Medical Complex. Out of this group of patients, 20 cases [1.5%] were found to have multifocal tuberculosis. Multifocal tuberculosis is observed both in immunocompetent as well as in those with weak or compromised immune systems. A thorough physical examination is required even in those confirmed pulmonary cases of tuberculosis to suspect and find extra-pulmonary involvement, because it is important from the management and prognostic perspective. The ultimate outcome under DOTS [directly observed treatment short course] was good in the majority of these cases, and only a few of them required surgical intervention

Espondilitis tuberculosa en adultos: revisión de una serie de casos en un hospital de tercer nivel, Lima-Perú / Tuberculous spondylitis in adults: a case series from a reference hospital in Lima, Peru

Describimos las características clínicas y demográficas en pacientes adultos con espondilitis tuberculosa así como un análisis exploratorio que buscó establecer características que contribuyeron al desarrollo de esta enfermedad, en un hospital de tercer nivel de Lima. Realizamos un estudio tipo serie de casos y describimos 33 casos recolectados entre 1999-2009. 18 pacientes (55 por ciento) fueron varones, la media de edad fue 31 años (IQ 23 a 51 años) y un tiempo de enfermedad de 3 meses (IQ 1 a 8 meses). El principal síntoma fue lumbalgia en 28 (85 por ciento). Los segmentos más comprometidos fueron el torácico en 28 (60 por ciento) casos y lumbar en 13 (28 por ciento). Tuberculosis pulmonar se encontró en 14 (42 por ciento) casos. Veinticuatro (73 por ciento) recibieron esquema I. La duración de tratamiento fue 10,5 ± 4,2 meses . Las características clínicas, diagnósticas fueron similares a series nacionales previas e internacionales.

We describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of adult patients with tuberculous spondylitis as well as an exploratory analysis that seeked to establish patient characteristics that contributed to the development of this disorder at a reference hospital in Lima. This is a case-series descriptive study where data collection from 33 medical records of patients from 1999 to 2009 was done. Eighteen (55 percent) were male. Median age was 31 years (IQR 23 to 51 years). Median time of symptoms was 3 months (IQR 1 to 8 months). The most frequent symptom was back pain in 28 (85 percent). The most frequently affected areas were the thoracic spine involved in 28 (60 percent) cases and lumbar spine in 13 (28 percent). Pulmonary tuberculosis was present in fourteen (42 percent) cases. Twenty four (73 percent) patients received first line treatment. Treatment duration was 10.5 ± 4.2 months. Clinical and diagnostic characteristics were similar to previous Peruvian case reports and current literature.

Tuberculose vertébrale (Mal de Pott) : aspects épidémio-clinique, radiologique et évolutif au CHU du Point-G

La spondylodiscite tuberculeuse ou Mal de Pott est la forme la plus fréquente des tuberculoses ostéoarticulaires dans les pays à forte prévalence de tuberculose et de VIH/SIDA, mais le diagnostic de certitude reste difficile. Le but de ce travail était d'étudier les aspects épidémio clinique, radiologique et évolutif du Mal de Pott en l'absence de preuve bactériologique et histologique. Méthode : Il s'agit d'une rétrospective ayant porté sur des dossiers colligés dans le service de pneumophtisiologie du CHU de Point-G, de Janvier 2005 à Décembre 2009. Ont été retenus, tous les dossiers portant le diagnostic de tuberculose vertébrale probable et dont le traitement antibacillaire a été institué. Résultats : Au total, 178 cas de Mal de Pott ont été enregistrés sur 3560 cas de tuberculoses toutes formes soit 5%, avec une moyenne de 35± 6 cas par an. Nous avons noté une prédominance masculine (102 hommes contre 76 femmes) soit un sex-ratio de 1,3. L'âge moyen des patients était de 41 ± 15 ans. Les signes régulièrement retrouvés par leurs fréquences de plus de 80% sont : altération de l'état générale, asthénie, fièvre vespérale, la douleur rachidienne inflammatoire, VS élevée, spondylodiscite, retour à l'apyrexie, amélioration de l'état général. La sérologie VIH était positive dans 5,2% des 152 patients dépistés. Conclusion : Le Mal de Pott est en augmentation progressive. Le diagnostic est très souvent de présomption. Aussi, faut-il savoir débuter à temps un traitement antituberculeux, afin de minimiser les séquelles post-thérapeutiques

Espondilodiscitis tuberculosa en Cádiz (España) durante diez años / Tuberculous spondylodiscitis. Report of six patients

Background: Tuberculous spondylodiscitis is relatively uncommon but represents the most common location of osseous tuberculosis. Aim: To describe clinical features, imaging studies and laboratory tests to establish the diagnosis in a group of patients living in Cádiz (Spain). Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis diagnosed between 2000 and 2009. The diagnosis was based on microorganism recovery from vertebral samples obtained by imaging guided biopsies. Results: Six patients with positive Mycobac-terium tuberculosis cultures from vertebral samples, were identified (10 percent of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis). In only 2 patients the Ziehl-Nielsen stain was positive, and histology was compatible in 4 cases. Four patients were females, their mean age was 54.3 years and the mean duration of symptoms was 7.3 months. Three patients had lumbar location and a positive Mantoux test. A soft tissue abscess was present in 4 cases. None of these patients had neurological complications. The treatment with four tuberculostatic agents (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) was effective in 5 patients. Conclusions: Tuberculous spondylodiscitis may become a serious disease due to diagnostic and treatment delays. The main examinations to establish diagnosis are magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy with microbiological culture. Generally, antituberculous therapy is effective in this clinical situation.