Pott’s disease: A wake-up call for an underestimated diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis continues to be a major cause of death worldwide. The bacillus responsible for this condition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically affects the lungs, but can also affect other regions, in which case it is called extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Osteoarticular manifestations represent the third most common form of this type of tuberculosis. The axial skeleton stands out as the most affected region; this is called tuberculous spondylodiscitis or Pott’s disease. Case Report: A 26-year-old male patient, living in Queimados, an informal worker, reported that about one month ago he presented weight loss of 7 kg, low back pain without irradiation (intensity 10/10), and a dry cough. One week ago, he started having chills with changes in the cough pattern, which became productive. Laboratory tests and serologies were unaltered. Alcohol-Acid Resistant Bacilli (BAAR): Positive +++ in 200 observed fields. Rapid molecular test (TRM): Detectable. Conclusion: To a great extent, the incidence of tuberculosis has been maintained by immunosuppressive diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In contrast, tuberculous spondylodiscitis remains an underdiagnosed condition in most services, and its management is still under discussion.