Spinal epidural abscess due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a patient with AIDS: case report and review of the literature

Braz J Infect Dis. 2006 Apr;10(2):146-8. doi: 10.1590/s1413-86702006000200013.

Abstract

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare infectious disorder that often has delayed diagnosis and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. We present a case of an AIDS patient with a SEA due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This type of SEA in AIDS patients is characterized by localized spinal pain and prolonged fever. Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice in the diagnostic process. Early diagnosis, followed by specific therapy (surgical decompression combined with antituberculous drugs), is necessary to improve the prognosis of these kinds of patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / microbiology*
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / therapy
  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Decompression, Surgical
  • Epidural Abscess / diagnosis
  • Epidural Abscess / microbiology*
  • Epidural Abscess / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / microbiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification*
  • Tuberculosis, Spinal / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Spinal / microbiology*
  • Tuberculosis, Spinal / therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents