Psoas abscess secondary to Pott’s disease

Abstract

Tuberculosis is the primary cause of death due to infections. Osteoarticular involvement represents up to 20% of extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases, and tuberculous spondylodiscitis is the most common type. We present the case of a 31-year-old male patient with a history of close contact with a relative with tuberculosis who sought medical care due to low back pain, fever, night sweats and loss of weight that had started 5 months before. A computed tomography scan revealed a right psoas abscess and lytic lesions in L5-S1. The abscess was percutaneously drained under CT guidance, and the culture was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. During antituberculosis treatment, the patient evolved with tuberculous meningitis with a favorable clinical outcome. Spinal tuberculosis should be considered in young patients with chronic low back pain and systemic symptoms, especially those with a history of exposure. Early diagnosis through imaging tests and microbiological confirmation enables the initiation of effective, multidisciplinary treatment.