Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)

  Abstract

  Backgrounds: Pott's disease is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and

  presents with several clinical patterns. Delay in diagnosis and management may

  cause serious complications. We conducted a retrospective study between 1991-

  2006 to evaluate clinical presentation, radiologic and laboratory findings, and therapeutic

  approaches to spinal tuberculosis.

  Methods: We reviewed clinical presentation, radiological and laboratory findings

  of 58 patients with spinal tuberculosis retrospectively. The diagnosis of tuberculous

  spondylitis was based on characteristic histology or microbiologic evidence of

  the disease. The results of study were recorded, and statistically analyzed by SPSS

  11.5.

  Results: The most frequent symptom was back pain (84%), with thoracic region

  being the most affected site (46%). Paravertebral abscess noted in 67% of cases and

  the average time for diagnosis was 16 months.

  Conclusions: The 42 cases of this study underwent surgery and all were treated

  with drug therapy for 12 months . There was no worsening of the neurologic status in

  any patient. All patients with tuberculous spondylitis began to improve 3 months after

  chemotherapy and healed within 12 months in nonsurgical and surgical groups.