Spinal cord compression caused by a brown tumor secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism.

Background: Brown tumors (BTs) are rare non-neoplastic lesions that arise secondary to hyperparathyroidism largely involving mandible, ribs, pelvis, and large bones. Spinal involvement is extremely rare and may result in cord compression. Case Description: A 72-year-old female with the primary hyperparathyroidism developed a thoracic spine BT causing T3-T5 spinal cord compression warranting operative decompression. Conclusion: BTs should be included in the differential diagnosis in lytic-expansive lesions involving the spine. For those who develop neurological deficits, surgical decompression may be warranted followed by parathyroidectomy.

Cervical Pott's disease: case report and review of the literature.

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in the world. Spinal tuberculosis (Pott disease) is a frequently encountered extrapulmonary form of the disease. Cervical spinal tuberculosis is relatively rare. We report the case of a 66-year-old patient admitted for cervical Pott's disease managed surgically and the positive outcome. A patient with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis present 3 months ago persistent neck pain with tingling and heaviness in both upper limbs. The neurological examination was normal without any sensory or motor deficit. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a lesion centered on the vertebral body of C4 with spinal cord compression and epiduritis without signs of spinal cord injury. The patient underwent a corpectomy of C3 and C4 with an iliac graft and anterior cervical plate. The anatomopathological examination revealed a Pott disease. He was therefore put on antituberculous chemotherapy for 12 months. Three months later the neck pain and tingling disappeared in the upper limbs. Cervical Pott's disease is relatively rare. Surgical management is indicated in the case of spinal instability or spinal cord compression.