Tubercular paraplegia in pregnancy with complete neurological recovery following antitubercular therapy: a case report

Authors

  • Firdaus Fathima Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Ameen Medical College, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India
  • Ambika Patil Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Ameen Medical College, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India
  • Santosh Rathod Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Ameen Medical College, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20263066

Keywords:

Pott's spine, Spinal tuberculosis, Pregnancy, Paraplegia, Antitubercular therapy, Cord compression

Abstract

Spinal tuberculosis with paraplegia during pregnancy is rare and is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Pregnancy, being a relatively immunocompromised state, may prompt rapid destruction of the vertebral body, resulting in an acute and profound neurological deficit. A 23-year-old G2P1L1 woman at 19+5 weeks presented with progressive bilateral lower-limb weakness; MRI showed D2 collapse with epidural collection and cord compression. Sputum Ziehl-Neelsen staining confirmed acid-fast bacilli, and first-line HRZE therapy was started. She recovered completely, continued pregnancy to term, and delivered a healthy male neonate by elective caesarean section. This case supports early MRI diagnosis and timely anti-tubercular therapy alone in selected patients with multidisciplinary care and close maternal-fetal monitoring can lead to complete recovery.

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Published

2026-08-27

How to Cite

Fathima, F., Patil, A., & Rathod, S. (2026). Tubercular paraplegia in pregnancy with complete neurological recovery following antitubercular therapy: a case report. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 15(9), 3702–3707. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20263066

Issue

Section

Case Reports