Anterior debridement combined with autogenous iliac bone graft fusion for the treatment of lower cervical tuberculosis: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of one-stage anterior debridement of lower cervical tuberculosis using iliac crest bone graft fusion and internal fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 48 patients with lower cervical tuberculosis admitted to multiple medical centers from June 2018 to June 2021. Among them, 36 patients had lesions involving two vertebrae and 12 patients had lesions involving more than three vertebrae. All patients were treated with quadruple antituberculosis drugs for more than 2 weeks before the operation, and then treated with one-stage anterior debridement and autogenous iliac bone graft fusion combined with titanium plate internal fixation. After the operation, antituberculosis drugs were continued for 12-18 months. The patients were followed-up to observe the improvement in clinical symptoms, bone graft fusion, Cobb angle, visual analog score (VAS), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), wound healing, and neurological function. RESULTS: The patients were followed-up for 13-43 months, with an average of 21.46 ± 1.52 months. The clinical symptoms significantly improved after the operation. The bone graft was completely fused in all patients, and the bone fusion time was 3-6 months, with an average of 4.16 ± 0.47 months. At the last follow-up, the Cobb angle, VAS, ESR, and CRP level were significantly lower than those before surgery (P < 0.05). None of the patients had loosening, detachment, or rupture of the internal fixation, and no recurrence occurred. All surgical incisions healed in one stage without infection or sinus formation. The preoperative Frankel neurological function classification was grade B in 7 cases, grade C in 13, grade D in 18, and grade E in 10. At the last follow-up, 8 cases recovered to grade D and 40 recovered to grade E. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with lower cervical tuberculosis, based on oral treatment with quadruple antituberculosis drugs, direct decompression through anterior debridement, followed by autologous iliac bone graft fusion combined with internal fixation can completely remove tuberculosis foci, rebuild the stability of the cervical spine, and obtain good clinical efficacy. Level of evidence Level 3.

Anterior debridement, bone grafting and fixation for cervical spine tuberculosis: an iliac bone graft versus a structural manubrium graft.

BACKGROUND: Anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation are safe and effective techniques for patients with lower cervical spine tuberculosis. However, there is no consensus regarding the methods for using autogenous bone grafts. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes of anterior surgical management for cervical spine tuberculosis by using an iliac bone graft versus a structural manubrium graft. METHODS: From January 2009 to September 2018, 23 patients with cervical spine tuberculosis were treated with anterior debridement, autogenous structural bone grafting and fixation at our spinal department. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the different graft materials, namely, iliac crest bone grafts (Group A) and structural manubrium grafts (Group B). The clinical and radiographic results of the 2 groups were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 24 months. Bony fusion was achieved in all patients without failure of internal fixation. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the operation time, blood loss, fusion time, neurological outcomes, or postoperative local Cobb angle (P > .05). However, the donor site complication rate in Group A was greater than that in Group B. The postoperative ambulation time in Group A was later than that in Group B. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score for donor site pain in Group A was higher than that in Group B at 1 week after surgery (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups at the last visit (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Both iliac bone grafts and sternal manubrium grafts can effectively reconstruct anterior column defects in anterior surgery. However, structural sternal manubrium autografts cause fewer complications associated with donor site morbidities than iliac bone grafts.

Cervical Tuberculosis Mimicking Tumor Persistence: A Case Report.

Tuberculosis can coexist with malignancy in the same organ, but cancer with TB in the cervix is rare. This is a case of cervical tuberculosis diagnosed in a cervical cancer patient after concurrent chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy. This is the case of a 38-year-old G2P2 (2002) diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, large cell non-keratinizing cervix, Stage IIIB. The patient underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy. One month after the last brachytherapy dose, the attending physician noted a nodularity on the anterior lip of the cervix. A cervical punch biopsy was done to rule out tumor persistence. The histopathology revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with Langhan's type multinucleated giant cells consistent with tuberculous infection. She was diagnosed with cervical tuberculosis, postulated to be from latent TB reactivation, and was given Anti-Koch's medication for six months. After receiving Anti-Koch's treatment, the cervical nodularity was no longer appreciated, and the rest of the cervix was smooth on palpation. Her Pap Test was negative for any intraepithelial lesion and was declared with no evidence of carcinoma. A possible latent TB infection should always be screened in cancer patients from high-burden areas or those with close contact treated for tuberculosis because immunosuppression during cancer treatment can cause the reactivation of tuberculous disease. Cervical tuberculosis complicating cervical malignancy is treatable with Anti-Koch's therapy and has not been shown to affect the course of the carcinoma.

Successful management of cervical tuberculosis and severe kyphosis using polyetheretherketone expandable cage and titanium plate: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Successful management of cervical tuberculosis and severe kyphosis was achieved using a PEEK expandable cage and titanium plate, demonstrating favorable outcomes in restoring cervical alignment and stability. This approach represents a promising alternative for addressing complex cervical pathologies, highlighting the potential of PEEK-based interventions in surgical management. Abstract: Cervical tuberculosis can lead to severe vertebral destruction and kyphosis, posing challenges in surgical management. Recent advancements, including the use of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) expandable cages and titanium plates, show promise in addressing multilevel cervical pathologies. This report details the successful treatment of a 27-year-old male with cervical tuberculosis and severe kyphosis. Surgical intervention involved prevertebral abscess evacuation, C5-C7 corpectomy, and insertion of a PEEK expandable cage with an anterior titanium plate. Postoperative care included a Philadelphia collar, and follow-up demonstrated restored cervical alignment and stability. The use of PEEK-based surgical interventions, as demonstrated in this case, represents a significant evolution in managing complex cervical conditions. The successful outcome highlights the potential benefits of PEEK expandable cages in addressing cervical tuberculosis and kyphosis. Further research is needed to validate these findings and establish PEEK-based interventions as a viable alternative in such cases.

Preoperative Skull Traction, Anterior Debridement, Bone Grafting, and Internal Fixation for Cervical Tuberculosis with Severe Kyphosis.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical tuberculosis (CTB) readily causes local kyphosis, and its surgical strategy remains controversial. Although some previous studies suggested that the anterior approach could effectively treat CTB, patients in these studies only suffered mild to moderate kyphosis. Therefore, little is known about whether the anterior approach can achieve satisfactory outcomes in CTB patients with severe kyphosis. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative skull traction combined with anterior surgery for the treatment of CTB patients with a severe kyphosis angle of more than 35°. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 31 CTB patients with severe kyphosis who underwent preoperative skull traction combined with anterior surgery from April 2015 to January 2021. Patients were followed up for at least 2 years. Clinical data, such as operative time, blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay, were collected. The clinical outcomes included American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) spinal cord injury grade, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and related complications. The radiological outcomes included the Cobb angle of cervical kyphosis at each time point and the bony fusion state. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by paired Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and others. RESULTS: Six patients had involvement of one vertebra, 21 had involvement of two vertebrae, and four had involvement of three vertebrae. The most common level of vertebral involvement was C4-5, whereas the most common apical vertebra of kyphosis was C4. The mean kyphosis angle was 46.1° ± 7.7° preoperatively, and the flexibility on dynamic extension-flexion X-rays and cervical MRI was 17.5% ± 7.8% and 43.6% ± 11.0%, respectively (p = 0.000). The kyphosis angle significantly decreased to 13.2° ± 3.2° after skull traction, and it further corrected to -6.1° ± 4.3° after surgery, which was well maintained at the final follow-up with a mean Cobb angle of -5.4° ± 3.9°. The VAS and JOA scores showed significant improvement after surgery. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels normalized at 3 months after surgery. All patients achieved solid bone fusion, and no complications related to the instrumentation or recurrence were observed. CONCLUSION: Preoperative skull traction combined with anterior debridement, autologous iliac bone grafting, and internal plate fixation can be an effective and safe surgical method for the treatment of cervical tuberculosis with severe kyphosis. Skull traction can improve the safety and success rate of subsequent anterior corrective surgery.

Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Mimicking Cervical Tuberculosis: A Case Report.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer that has a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. It is characterized by rapid growth and invasion of nearby tissues. It typically presents as a rapidly growing goiter or nodule that is firm to the touch and firmly attached to the underlying structures. Case reports of unusual presentations of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma have been reported. The presentation of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma mimicking cervical tuberculosis is very unusual. We reported a case of a 65-year-old patient who had a left cervical swelling that had been evolving for 4 months, causing dysphagia. Initial imaging showed a necrotic mass in the left lobe of the thyroid, communicating with a second necrotic mass in the subcutaneous tissue that was fistulized to the skin and suggesting cervical tuberculosis. The mass was incised with pus and whitish material resembling caseous tuberculosis was discharged. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was negative and biopsy revealed a nonspecific granulomatous lesion. Due to the growth of the mass and the presence of a permeation nodule, a second biopsy was performed, revealing anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The patient was referred for radiochemotherapy due to tumor inoperability.

[Application progress of implantation in surgical treatment of cervical tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To review the characteristics and applications of different implantation in cervical tuberculosis surgery and the research progress of the new implantation. METHODS: By consulting relevant domestic and foreign research literature on cervical tuberculosis, the classification, advantages, disadvantages, and prospects of implantations were analyzed and summarized. RESULTS: The incidence of cervical tuberculosis has increased recently and has a high disability rate. Currently, the implantation in the surgical treatment of cervical tuberculosis are mainly divided into bone materials, metal materials, and bioactive materials; the above materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, for example, the amount of autologous bone is limited, the complications of allogeneic bone are common, and the bone fusion effect of metal materials is poor. With the development of science and technology, the implantation are also more diverse. CONCLUSION: The choice of the implantation affects the bone fusion directly, furthermore, it affects the effectiveness of cervical tuberculosis, the development of new implantation provides a variety of options for the treatment of cervical tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis of the Cervix Mimicking Cervical Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Tuberculosis of the cervix is reported to be very rare with clinical features that are indistinguishable from that of invasive cancer of the cervix. We report the case of a 31-year-old nulliparous lady that presented with intermenstrual bleeding and a persistent abnormal vaginal discharge after receiving several forms of treatment for cervical cancer. Vaginal examination revealed an extensive friable erythematous lesion affecting the entire ectocervix. Tuberculosis was confirmed following biopsy of the lesion, and the patient was successfully managed with a course of anti-tuberculosis medication.

Cervical spine TB - Current concepts in management.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical tubercular disease (CTB) is a rare pathology and constitutes 3-5% of all spinal TB. It includes atlantoaxial TB and sub-axial TB. As the literature evidence on this subject is scarce, majority of issues concerning CTB are still controversial. The current narrative review comprehensively discusses the various aspects related to CTB. Literature search: An elaborate search was made using keywords cervical tuberculosis, atlantoaxial tuberculosis, sub-axial tuberculosis, and cervico-thoracic tuberculosis, on pubmed and google (scholar.google.com) databases on 2 December 2020. We identified crucial questions regarding CTB and included relevant articles pertaining to them. RESULTS: The initial search using keywords cervical tuberculosis, atlantoaxial tuberculosis, sub-axial tuberculosis, and cervico-thoracic tuberculosis yielded 4128, 76, 3 and 9 articles on 'pubmed' database, respectively. A similar search using the aforementioned keywords yielded 1,96,000, 2130, 117 and 728 articles on 'google scholar' database. The initial screening resulted in the identification of 178 articles. Full manuscripts were obtained for these articles and thoroughly scrutinised at the second stage. Review articles, randomised controlled trials and level 1 studies were given preference. Overall, 41 articles were included. CONCLUSION: AATB and SACTB constitute 0.3 to 1% and 3% of spinal TB, respectively. The incidence of neuro-deficit in CTB is significantly more than other spinal TB. The general principles of management of CTB are similar to spinal TB elsewhere and medical therapy remains the cornerstone. Surgery is advocated in specific scenarios involving gross neuro-deficit, later stages of disease with significant bony/ligamentous disruptions, altered sagittal balance, drug resistance, and poor response to medications. The surgical approaches for AATB include anterior-alone, posterior-alone and combined approaches, although posterior access is the most preferred. Most of the studies on SACTB have supported the role of anterior approach. Additionally, posterior stabilisation may be necessary in specific scenarios. The overall long-term outcome in CTB is favourable.

The rare multidrug cervical tubercular lymphadenitis in an infant from Iran: A case report and literature review.

Cervical-TB lymphadenitis is the most frequent extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis infection. There are limited documents (only five documents) on multidrug-resistant cervical tubercular lymphadenitis, but there is no evidence for MDR-cervical tuberculosis lymphadenitis in infants, which may occur in TB endemic regions.

Cervical spinal tuberculosis combined with brucellosis.

INTRODUCTION: In some developing countries, tuberculosis and brucellosis, which are commom causes of spinal infections, are still common infectious diseases. However, co-occurrence of spinal tuberculosis and brucellosis is rare. METHODOLOGY: We report a case a 47-year-old male engaged in aquaculture with a medical history of numbness, weakness, fever, and night sweats in both upper limbs for about 10 days. Serum agglutination test (SAT) for Brucella revealed brucella infection. Cervical computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested C6, C7 vertebral destruction and corresponding segmental nerve compression. Based on preoperative clinical symptoms and auxiliary examination, brucellar spondylitis was first suspected. According to the postoperative pathological examination, the patient was finally diagnosed as cervical spinal tuberculosis combined with brucellosis. RESULTS: The preoperative symptoms of the patient decreased significantly after surgery, and the patient recovered and leaved hospital within two weeks of starting treatment. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient's clinical symptoms completely disappeared, and all laboratory tests returned to normal. CONCLUSION: Cervical spinal tuberculosis combined with brucellosis is a relatively rare condition. In areas with high rates of tuberculosis and brucellosis, we should conduct comprehensive examinations to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Does kyphosis in healed subaxial cervical spine tuberculosis equate to a poor functional outcome?

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) of the subaxial cervical spine has a high percentage of morbidity. It accounts for about 10% of cases with the major concerns being quadriparesis and localized kyphosis. AIM: The study aims to provide an insight in the management of subaxial cervical spine TB treated by multiple modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 91 patients with subaxial cervical (C3-C7) TB was performed. Neurology was assessed by Nurick's grading and pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) (in mm). Radiological evaluation was done with standard anteroposterior and lateral view of the cervical spine at presentation and 3 monthly intervals after intervention. Magnetic resonance imaging was done in all patients. Angle of kyphosis (K angle) was calculated from plain radiographs. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 31.5 years. Neurological status was Nurick's Grade 5 in 8, Grade 4 in 15, Grade 3 in 28, Grade 2 in 22, Grade 1 in 7, and further 11 had Nurick's Grade 0. Operative intervention was either anterior, or posterior, or a combination of both depending on extent of vertebral destruction. All patients with Nurick's 5 and 4 improved to 3 or less at final follow-up. The kyphosis angle at presentation ranged from 2° to 58° of with an average kyphosis of 16.05°. The postoperative kyphosis was graded as mild (loss of lordosis to 10° kyphosis), moderate (10°-30°), and severe (>30°). Ten patients had mild kyphosis and 6 patients had moderate kyphosis. Mean VAS score at presentation was 45.5 mm which improved to 14.48 mm at follow-up. Patients with mild and moderate kyphosis remained asymptomatic till the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Healing of subaxial cervical TB in kyphosis does not necessitate a poor clinical outcome as most patients remain asymptomatic.

A multicenter retrospective research of anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation for cervical tuberculosis.

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation for cervical spinal tuberculosis in four hospitals. Materials and Methods: This research retrospectively analyzed 146 patients with cervical spinal tuberculosis who were treated by anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation in four institutions between January 2000 and January 2015. There were 68 males and 78 females with an average age of 31.32 ± 11.69 years. All patients received chemotherapy for 18 months after surgery, and fixed by brace for 3 months. Clinical outcome, laboratory indexes and radiological results were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of anterior approach surgery in the treatment of cervical spinal tuberculosis. Results: All cases were followed up about 18 to 52 months later (average 24 months). At the last follow-up, all patients obtained bone fusion, pain relief and neurological recovery. There was no recurrence in any of the patients, and no complications related to internal fixation. There were statistically significant differences before and after treatment in terms of Visual analog scale (VAS), Neck disability index (NDI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA)(P < 0.05). During the last follow-up examination, in 83 patients with neurological deficit, 78 patients improved. The kyphosis was significantly improved postoperatively (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the Cobb angle had some degree of correction loss, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our study suggests that one-stage anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation are safe and effective methods in the surgical management of cervical spinal tuberculosis. Abbreviation: VAS: Visual Analog Scale; JOA: Japanese Orthopaedic Association; NDI: Neck Disability Index; ESR: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate; ASIA: American Spinal Injury Association; TB: Tuberculosis.

Three-Dimensional Printing-Assisted Cervical Anterior Bilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation of Artificial Vertebral Body for Cervical Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical tuberculosis accounts for only 4.2%-12% of the total incidence of spinal tuberculosis cases. Although antituberculosis drugs have been the mainstay treatment of cervical tuberculosis, they have been ineffective against the symptoms of existing spinal deformities and spinal cord compression, which often require surgical intervention. The conventional surgical methods have been anterior debridement and titanium mesh, cage bone graft fusion and internal fixation. However, all have certain deficiencies regarding the stability of fixation. CASE DESCRIPTION: We have presented the case of a 41-year-old Chinese man who had been experiencing neck pain and stiffness for 1 month. The symptoms had been accompanied by low-grade fever and repeated night sweats. The purified protein derivative test result was positive and the antituberculosis test result was negative. Imaging examination showed destruction of the C5 and C6 vertebral bodies and C5 andC6 intervertebral discs, with an intensive abscess at the C5-C6 vertebral level. After 3-dimensional printing-assisted anterior debridement and artificial vertebral body replacement, his preoperative symptoms of neck pain and stiffness had been alleviated. Also, his symptoms of numbness in both upper limbs had disappeared completely. At the last follow-up examination, he had recovered well and the tuberculosis focus had been completely cured. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, we have reported the first clinical application of 3-dimensional printing-assisted cervical anterior bilateral pedicle screw fixation of an artificial vertebral body. We accomplished ultrashort segment fixation, with excellent clinical outcomes obtained, which were maintained at the recent 2-year follow-up examination.

Management of thyroid gland abscess. / Manejo del absceso de la glándula tiroides.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid abscess or acute suppurative thyroiditis is an unusual clinical condition. We present our experience with cases attended over 41 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on these patients reviewing their epidemiological characteristics and the diagnostic and therapeutic manoeuvres chosen for them all, as well as their clinical outcome. A group of 9 males and 5 females was studied, with ages ranging from 19 to 68 (mean of 40.6±15.4). These patients suffered 22 acute episodes, and 2 patients each had 4 episodes. RESULTS: Suppurative thyroiditis comprised 0.29% of the neck abscesses. Fine needle aspiration was performed in 13 cases to evacuate the collection and isolate the aetiological agent. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently identified. Nine patients underwent ultrasound and 7 computed tomography imaging studies. Surgery was the option for 10 patients, including drainage for 7, thyroidectomy for 4 and hemithyroidectomy for the remaining 2. Systemic or intralesional antibiotics and sclerosis of the gland were also carried out. Although one case presented with hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis in the acute phase, definitive hypothyroidism was observed in 5 patients at 6 months following discharge. The rate of success was 100%. CONCLUSION: Thyroid gland suppuration is a very infrequent circumstance in neck pathology, and the options for its treatment are varied, from conservative to invasive techniques according to the microbial and radiologic findings.

A case of cervical tuberculosis with severe kyphosis treated with a winged expandable cage after double corpectomy.

In this case report, we demonstrate that the use of a winged expandable cage was able to obtain good clinical and radiological results in a case of cervical tuberculosis with severe kyphosis. However, case series will be necessary to affirm its validity as a stand-alone device for similar cases with high risk of instability.

A clinical review of 38 cases of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis in Japan - The role of neck dissection.

OBJECTIVES: After tuberculous pleurisy, lymphadenitis arising from cervical lesion is the second most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It is generally treated with antituberculosis agents, but some patients resist chemotherapy. In such cases, surgical resection is often considered as an alternative treatment. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic outcome of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis and the future course of treatment of this disease. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of patients diagnosed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center between 2009 and 2015 and identified 38 cases of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis. Precisely 798 patients were registered for primary tuberculosis at our institution during the same period. RESULTS: Patient ages ranged from 21 to 85 years (average: 58.9 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.2. The range of tuberculosis progression was as follows: 30 (78.9%) in only the cervical lymph node, 3 in the other (axillary, mediastinal, and abdominal) lymph nodes, 1 in the lung and vertebrae lumbales, 2 in the lung, and 1 in the pleural membrane. All 38 patients were initially treated with antituberculous drugs at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine based on guidelines for tuberculosis cases in Japan. In seven cases, the antituberculous drugs were replaced due to side effects. Four cases involved a single drug-resistant strain, and one case involved a double drug-resistant strain. Thirty-three (86.8%) cases were cured by chemotherapy alone. The three patients resistant to chemotherapy were successfully treated through neck dissection. Thirty-six cases (94.7%) were cured by chemotherapy or chemotherapy and surgery. CONCLUSION: Local therapy could prove effective in cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis patients who exhibit an inadequate response to drugs. The role of neck dissection in cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis remains an important consideration.

Reconstruction of the Odontoid Process by a Tricortical Iliac Crest Graft in a Case of Tuberculosis of C1, C2, and C3 Vertebrae.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an emerging disease which affects about one-third of the world's population, especially in developing countries. TB of the spine is the most common type of skeletal TB. Cervical spine TB is rare, constituting 2-3% of all cases of spinal TB. We would like to present an unusual case of tuberculosis of the C1, C2, and C3 vertebrae with neurological deficit and its difficult management. A new method of treatment was done for this patient, which included reconstruction of the odontoid process using a tricortical iliac crest graft that was fixed with an anterior cervical plate. On follow-up, there was good incorporation of the graft. The neurological condition of the patient improved and was normal with partial restriction of neck movements. We suggest this technique to be worthwhile for treatment of this disease at this location.

Anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation for lower cervical spine tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cervical spine tuberculosis (TB) is uncommon, accounting for 3% to 5% of spinal TB. Although the development of anti-TB chemotherapy decreases the mortality rate significantly, it may not be applicable for all situations, especially for those with risk of instability, progression of neurologic deficit, and failure of medical treatment. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of anterior instrumentation after debridement and bone grafting in patients with lower cervical TB over a 5-year period at a single institution. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study examining the results of anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation for lower cervical spine TB. PATIENT SAMPLE: The procedure was performed in 25 patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: The clinical outcomes of infection activity, deformity, pain, and neurologic function were evaluated using erythrocyte sedimentation rate value and C-reactive protein value, kyphotic angle, visual analog scale pain score, and Frankel grade, respectively. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2010, 25 patients (18 males and seven females; average age, 39 years) with lower cervical spine tuberculosis (C3-C7) underwent anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation. The average follow-up period was 37.4 months (range 24-57 months). The medical records and radiographic findings of the patients were reviewed. RESULTS: There were three patients who had involvement of one vertebra, 18 had two vertebrae of involvement, and four had three vertebrae of involvement. Before surgery, there were three patients with Frankel grade B, five with grade C, 12 with grade D, and five with grade E. During the last follow-up examination, in 20 patients with neurological deficit, 11 patients improved one grade, six patients improved two grades, one patient improved three grades, and the neurologic status remained unchanged in two patients. Stable bone union was observed in all cases and the average time required for fusion was 6.8 months. The kyphosis Cobb angle improved from the preoperative average of 15.48° (range 0°-55°) to a postoperative average of -4.8° (range -12° to 4°) and there was no significant correction loss during the follow-up period. During the follow-up period, there were no grafts or instrumentation-related stabilization problems. There was no other recurrence of TB infection. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior debridement, decompression, bone grafting, and instrumentation are safe and effective methods in the surgical management of lower cervical spine tuberculosis.

Cervical tuberculosis mimicking tumor persistence: A case report

@#Tuberculosis can coexist with malignancy in the same organ, but cancer with TB in the cervix is rare. This is a case of cervical tuberculosis diagnosed in a cervical cancer patient after concurrent chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy. This is the case of a 38-year-old G2P2 (2002) diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, large cell non-keratinizing cervix, Stage IIIB. The patient underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy. One month after the last brachytherapy dose, the attending physician noted a nodularity on the anterior lip of the cervix. A cervical punch biopsy was done to rule out tumor persistence. The histopathology revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with Langhan’s type multinucleated giant cells consistent with tuberculous infection. She was diagnosed with cervical tuberculosis, postulated to be from latent TB reactivation, and was given Anti-Koch’s medication for six months. After receiving Anti-Koch’s treatment, the cervical nodularity was no longer appreciated, and the rest of the cervix was smooth on palpation. Her Pap Test was negative for any intraepithelial lesion and was declared with no evidence of carcinoma. A possible latent TB infection should always be screened in cancer patients from high-burden areas or those with close contact treated for tuberculosis because immunosuppression during cancer treatment can cause the reactivation of tuberculous disease. Cervical tuberculosis complicating cervical malignancy is treatable with Anti-Koch’s therapy and has not been shown to affect the course of the carcinoma.