Cervical Pott's disease presenting as a Retropharyngeal Abscess: Controlled by Aspiration and Anti-tuberculous chemotherapy

Sudan Med J. 2013 Aug 1;49(2):97-100.

Abstract

Tuberculosis of the cervical spine is very rare. An unusual case of a 6 year old child presenting with spinal tuberculosis involving cervical and thoracic vertebrae, along with retropharyngeal abscess is reported. The patient presented with progressive neck swelling, neck pain, fever with night sweats and difficulty of swallowing. The lab studies confirmed tuberculosis. The patient was successfully treated with fine-needle aspiration and antituberculous drugs. The patient improved rapidly. His neck stiffness decreased, and he was able to eat comfortably.

Keywords: Pott’s disease; antituberculous drugs therapy; retropharyngeal abscess.