Retropharyngeal Abscess as A Complication of Cervical Spine Tuberculosis: Clinician's Challenge; A Rare Case Report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tuberculosis of cervical spine is a very rare entity. It can present with myriad of unrelated symptoms and can be a diagnostic dilemma for the treating clinician. Due to the important neurovascular and respiratory symptoms associated with the cervical tuberculosis, the accurate diagnosis and prompt management of these cases becomes a clinical necessity for best patient outcomes. Case Report: A young female presented with pain in neck and upper limbs with associated dysphagia and voice changes. A bulge was appreciated in posterior pharyngeal wall, which on aspiration tested positive for TB. Patient was managed with ATT regime and therapeutic aspirations of pus which resulted in complete recovery. No orthopaedic intervention was required. Discussion:Since cervical spine TB is a rare entity and it behaves very differently from bacterial osteomyelitis, a conservative approach with ATT & therapeutic aspirations can be recommended as standard of care in most cases. Surgical debridement/tracheostomy can be reserved for very selective cases. A high index of clinical suspicion and prompt approach can save morbidity & mortality. Keywords:Tuberculosis; Cervical spine; Dysphagia, AT