Pott's disease and multiple myeloma in the bone marrow: A rare coincidence

Abstract

Pott's disease also known as tuberculosis (TB) spondylitis is the most dangerous form of musculoskeletal TB. It is associated with neurological deficits. Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterised by bone degradation and suppression of the immune system. It often presents itself as bone pain and anaemia. Coexistence of Pott's disease and TB is a rare occurrence. However, we present a patient with persistent back pain and anaemia, who was initially diagnosed with TB. Despite treatment with anti-TB medication for six months, he developed bone pains, lower limb numbness, and pallor. On radiographic, laboratory, and pathologic investigations, MM with Pott's disease was diagnosed. This case points out the fact that MM may coincide with active or recurrent TB. Due to the similarity of their clinical symptoms, one of them may be ignored, and this will lead to serious complications for the patient.

Keywords

• anaemia
• bone pain
• case report
• multiple myeloma
• tuberculosis spondylitis