A Peculiar Concurrent Presentation of Spinal Tuberculosis In A Diagnosed Case of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 – An Atypical Case Report

Author(s): Vishnu Vikraman Nair, Vishal Kundnani, Mukul Jain, Sunil Shamjibhai Chodavadiya, Jenil Patel

Spinal tuberculosis is a prevalent ailment observed in the Asian demographic, which can result in neurodeficit if not addressed during the initial phases. Neurofibromatosis is a hereditary disorder that results in the manifestation of dystrophic bony characteristics accompanied by the development of multiple spinal tumors. This study presents a unique case of a young female who had previously been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis. Additionally, she exhibited symptoms of tubercular spondylodiscitis, resulting in kyphotic deformity and paraparesis. The present case report discusses the challenges encountered during the preoperative and intra-operative management of a patient presenting with the co-occurrence of neurofibromatosis and tuberculosis of the spine. Despite the advancements in imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical techniques, the prompt diagnosis and management of spinal tuberculosis with Neurofibramatosis remains complex and demanding. The objective of this review is to examine the diagnosis, preoperative planning, and treatment of spinal tuberculosis in a patient of Neurofibromatosis type 1, utilizing studies that possess adequate literature, lucidly presented outcomes, and defensible conclusions.