Spinal tuberculosis in a child following infection with SARS-CoV-2: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarticular tuberculosis in children is a rare condition that accounts for a small percentage of extrapulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections.

Case presentation: A 30-month-old boy with a history of COVID-19 was taken to the emergency department due to antalgic pain, inability to stand up straight, and severe pain in decubitus position. The patient had elevated acute phase reactants levels, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed destruction of L3 with bone marrow loss, vertebral collapse, and fluid collection, as well as involvement of L4. An open biopsy showed fluid collection with secretion, negative bacterial cultures, and positive molecular test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. One week after admission, antitubercular pharmacological treatment was started and the patient was immobilized with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis. In a new admission to the emergency department, surgical drainage was performed due to wound dehiscence, secretion, and low-grade fever. However, in a subsequent follow-up, spondylodiscitis was found at L3 and L4, as well as epidural abscesses. Finally, once the orthosis management was completed, during a last follow-up, it was observed that the patient had residual thoracolumbar kyphosis, but no signs of radicular or spinal cord involvement, or osteoarticular deficit.

Conclusion: Spinal tuberculosis is a rare condition in the pediatric population, so clinical suspicion in all children with typical symptoms of the disease is always important.