Mohindra S, Gupta SK, Mohindra S, Gupta R. Unusual presentations of craniovertebral junction tuberculosis: a report of 2 cases and literature review.
ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006;
66:94-9; discussion 99. [PMID:
16793457 DOI:
10.1016/j.surneu.2005.11.020]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2005] [Accepted: 11/02/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
CVJ tuberculosis is a described entity requiring challenging ways of management. Severe neck pain, causing restricted neck movements and torticollis, is a characteristic presentation of neurologically asymptomatic suboccipital Pott's disease.
CASE DESCRIPTION
Two patients with unusual CVJ tuberculosis form the basis for the present communication. The first patient presented with tubercular otitis media, causing progressive erosion of the petrous part of temporal bone, and destruction of the occipital condyle, along with the lateral mass of atlas, leading to CVJ instability. This is a first report of such a presentation, according to our knowledge. Detailed bony architectural destruction demonstrable on CT scan has been described. The second patient, with CVJ tuberculosis, presented with skull base syndrome and with multiple cranial nerve palsies. Both patients were managed without surgical intervention and showed clinical and radiological recovery.
CONCLUSION
In such patients with unusual clinical presentations, histopathologic examination is necessary to arrive at a correct diagnosis. The management of patients with tubercular involvement of CVJ remains controversial. In the present communication, both the patients were managed successfully with full dose of antitubercular drugs and immobilization.
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