Spinal tuberculosis presenting as abdominal pain : rare presentation of a common disease

Abstract EN

A 25-year-old male presented with complaints of abdominal pain for the past two months.

He was prescribed Buscopan and omeprazole by a general surgeon.

It was only when patient started complaining of backache that he was referred to an orthopedic surgeon.

On examination of spine, there was tenderness at the upper dorsal spine.

A diagnosis of Pott’s disease affecting the upper dorsal spine was made.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the vertebral changes and showed subligamentous spread of paravertebral masses from D2 to D7.

This case illustrates the unusual form in which spine tuberculosis can present.

High index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis and prompt management.

General surgeons should be aware of this atypical presentation of Pott’s disease.-