Epidural extension of tuberculosis empyema thoracis causing spinal cord compression

摘要

We report the occurence of epidural extension and resultant spinal cord compression in a patient with tuberculosis empyema thoracis. The patient required thoracocentesis for empyema, surgical decompression, laminectomy and removal of the asbcess and granulation tissue. The patient was subsequently treated with category I, directly observed treatment, shortcourse (DOTS) antituberculosis treatment and had an uneventful recovery. [Indian J Chest Dis Allied Sci 2007; 49: 107-110]