Tuberculosis of the Craniovertebral Junction with Basilar Impression: A Case Report.
- Author:
Ji Myoung HONG
1
;
Sang Gu LEE
;
Chan Woo PARK
;
Chan Jong YOO
;
Woo Kyung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Center, Gil Hospital, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Incheon, Korea. samddal@gilhospital.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Tuberculosis;
Craniovertebral junction;
Basilar impression;
Atlantoaxial dislocation
- MeSH:
Abscess;
Adult;
Early Intervention (Education);
Humans;
Neck Pain;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Platybasia;
Tuberculosis
- From:Korean Journal of Spine
2010;7(2):103-106
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We report a rare case of tuberculosis as a cause of secondary basilar impression. A 35-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of severe neck pain and motor weakness on both sides (upper and lower limbs). CT and MRI demonstrated C1/C2 subluxation, basilar impression, and an abscess occupying the prevertebral space. We performed a single-stage operation, comprising anterior removal of the abscess, posterior fixation, and fusion. The patient was discharged five weeks after surgery without any neurologic deficits or complications. Only few reports have been published worldwide describing cases of tuberculosis as a cause of secondary basilar impression. Tuberculosis of the craniovertebral (CV) junction should be considered, especially in young patients with mid- to long-term histories of neck pain without clear origins, to allow for early intervention.
