Question

What diagnosis can be derived from the image given below?

• A. Multiple myeloma
• B. Ankylosing spondylitis
• C. Pyogenic spondylitis
• D. Pott’s Spine

Hint:

In Pott's spine, the vertebrae may collapse, leading to deformities like kyphosis, and abscesses may form around the affected area. Diagnosis is confirmed by culture or PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Multiple myeloma: Multiple myeloma often presents with punched-out lesions in the vertebral body on imaging. It causes osteolysis but does not typically present with the specific characteristics seen in this case, which involves changes typically associated with infections.
Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis affects the sacroiliac joints and spine, leading to sacroiliitis, vertebral fusion, and bamboo spine. This presentation is not characteristic of that condition.
Pyogenic spondylitis: This is an infection of the vertebral bodies, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It can present with destruction of the vertebrae and abscess formation, which is somewhat closer to the imaging findings, but the image in the question more closely resembles Pott’s spine.
Pott’s Spine: This is tuberculous spondylitis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It often presents with vertebral body destruction and the collapse of the intervertebral disc. This condition is most commonly seen in the thoracic and lumbar spine. The image suggests vertebral destruction with abscess formation, a hallmark of Pott's spine. Thus, the correct answer is Pott's Spine (4), as the image most closely reflects the characteristics of tuberculosis-induced spondylitis.