Craniocervical Junction Tuberculosis: A Rare but Fatal Disease

Background: Pott’s spine describes tuberculous infection of the spine and the term “Pott’s paraplegia” describes paraplegia resulting from the tuberculosis of the spine. Tuberculosis is a disease of poverty that affects mostly young adults in their most productive years. The progression of spinal tuberculosis is slow and insidious. Formation of a cold abscess around a vertebra is another characteristic feature of spinal tuberculosis. Retropharyngeal abscess can produce considerable pressure effects such as dysphagia, respiratory distress, or hoarseness of voice. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment in life-saving in these patients. Case Presentation: A 16 year old female patient presented with neck pain, difficulty in swallowing, slight restriction of neck movements and history of fever and night sweats. A detailed history was taken and complete examination was done. A swelling in posterior pharyngeal wall was seen and drained and the pus collected was sent for culture and sensitivity and for confirmation of the Tuberculosis. Radiological investigations were done which revealed retropharyngeal abscess and the extent of involvement of the craniovertebral junction. After confirmation of tuberculosis, antituberculosis treatment was started and patient was followed up and showed remarkable improvement. Conclusion: Craniocervical junction tuberculosis is a rare disease with dangerous outcome if not diagnosed and treated early. antituberculosis therapy is the mainstay of conservative treatment for early diagnosed cases and has good prognosis.