# Quadriplegia Following Prevertebral/Retropharyngeal Collection Secondary to Extrapulmonary Spinal Tuberculosis (Pott’s Disease)

## TL;DR

A rare case of tuberculosis causing a severe neck abscess leading to paralysis is presented, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care.

## Contribution

This paper reports a rare clinical case of spinal tuberculosis presenting as a retropharyngeal abscess with neurological complications.

## Key findings

- Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess can present with generalized weakness and neurological deficits.
- Early MRI and microbiological studies are crucial for diagnosis despite initial negative findings.
- Multidisciplinary care is essential to manage complications and improve outcomes in such cases.

## Abstract

Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess, though rare, poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its atypical presentation. We present the case of a 51-year-old male with a history of drug abuse and inhalational burn injury presented with generalized weakness, sensory deficits, and neurological symptoms. Despite initial negative investigations, subsequent MRI and microbiological studies confirmed a rare case of tuberculous retropharyngeal abscess. The patient underwent urgent drainage and anti-tubercular therapy, experiencing complications such as Candida infection that required prolonged hospitalization and multidisciplinary care. This case underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in differential diagnosis, especially in patients with unusual presentations and predisposing factors. It highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation, early intervention, and multidisciplinary management to prevent complications and improve outcomes. The case serves to raise awareness among clinicians about this uncommon presentation, emphasizing the need for a high index of suspicion in high-risk individuals and the importance of long-term follow-up and adherence to anti-tubercular therapy.