Concomitant mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm and lumbar tuberculous spondylitis with cauda equina syndrome: a rare condition — a case report and literature review

Introduction: Concomitant mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm and lumbar tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess and cauda equina syndrome is extremely rare. This condition can cause serious life-threatening problems if not diagnosed and treated properly. Case presentation: We report an unusual case of a 79-year-old Thai male, who was diagnosed with concomitant mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm and lumbar tuberculous spondylitis at the L2–L3 level with left psoas abscess and cauda equina syndrome. The surgical plan was radical surgical debridement via transpsoas approach and the defect was filled with iliac crest strut graft and posterior decompressive laminectomy and fusion with a pedicle screws and rods system. During the operation, an abdominal aortic aneurysm was iatrogenically ruptured and then was emergently treated with endovascular stent graft implantation. Subsequently, hemostasis was achieved and the patient remained hemodynamically stable. A few days later, he underwent posterior decompressive laminectomy L2–L3, fusion and instrumentation with a pedicle screws and rods system at T11-L5. After surgery, the patient recovered well and his motor power improved gradually. He was continually treated with anti-tuberculous chemotherapy for 12 months. Discussion: Concomitant mycotic aortic aneurysm and lumbar tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess and cauda equina syndrome is an extremely rare condition that requires prompt diagnosis and management. Its consequences can lead to serious complications such as permanent neurological damage, paralysis or even death, if left untreated. The aims of the treatment are to eradicate infection, to prevent further neurological compromise, to stabilize the spine and to protect the aortic aneurysm from rupture. © 2018, International Spinal Cord Society.