Cranio-vertebral junction tuberculosis

Abstract

There are variety of diseases which affect the region of craniovertebral junction, including congenital, malignant lesions, traumatic and infective/inflammatory lesions. CVJ tuberculosis is an extremely rare condition, accounting for 0.3 to 1% of all cases of spinal TB. Few case series have been reported in the literature about this rare condition, but there appears to be lack of consensus even on basic issues like whether to undertake surgical intervention or prefer a conservative approach in cases of CVJ TB. These cases can present with a myriad of symptoms and one needs to have a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important for a favorable outcome. In this article, we have tried to review the available literature and also share our experience about this condition so as to have a better understanding of the disease process and have a more rational treatment protocol.

Keywords

• cranio-vertebral junction
• tuberculosis
• spinal tuberculosis
• cvj tuberculosis