XI.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF POTT’S DISEASE

Legend:
Pathophysiology Signs & Diagnostic
Symptoms Exams

Precipitating Factors:
 Repeated close contact with
infected persons
Predisposing Factor:  Recurrence of infection
 Age  Immunocompromised state
 Occupational hazard

Pulmonary Signs /Symptoms

Diagnostic:
Chest X-Ray
Tuberculosis  Night sweats
 Weight loss
 Fever
 Mucupurulent sputum
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
spreads to other organs or  Productive cough
structures  (+) wheezing, (+) crackles
 Rapid Shallow Breathing

Extrapulmonary
Tuberculosis

Weakened spine due to

physical trauma (accidental
slipping on the floor 8 mos.
PTA) is exposed to the
Pathologic Agent

38
 Opportunistic bacteria infects
the weakened cellular structures
surrounding and composing the
spinal area commonly the
anterior aspect of the vertebral
body

POTT’S DISEASE

Progressive microcellular Supply of nutrients Caseation

damage of the affected towards the avascular of disc
vertebral column (T8 & T9) intervertebral disc tissues
impeded

Damaged / Injured cells

release chemicals Decreased
metabolic
function for
body
temperature
with the aid of
Circulating B-Lymphocytes stimulated the
producing Immunoglobulins (antibodies) hypothalamic
Cytokine interleukin Cytokine Interleukin – 1, thermo-
– 2 (Responsible for a vasoactive agent, regulating
cell mediated stimulates pyrogen release system
Antibodies attach to response)
the bacterial antigen
tagging them for
phagocytosis
Binds to interleukin – 2
receptor site of TB specific Increased demand
lymphocytes Fever
for glucose and
other nutrients

TB specific lymphocytes
activated

Weight loss

39
 Diagnostic
Vertebral narrowing
Vertebral collapse (T8 & :
T9)  MRI
 CT
Scan

Spinal damage Kyphosis

due to
compression

Atrophy of the lower

extremities

Immobility of
Paraplegia of the
lower extremities
lower extremities

Pressure ulcer (Stage

Signs & Symptoms: 1)
 Bowel & Urinary
Incontinence
 Absence of pain
sensation
 Neurologic
examination upon
assessment :

5/5 5/5

0/5 0/5

40
TB specific lymphocytes Vasodilation of the
identify the bacterial involved blood
antigen and will perform vessels
phagocytosis

Heat
Increased
Fragments of the blood flow
Bacillus triggers
increase WBC production Redness

Increased capillary
permeability of the surrounding
Diagnostic: area allowing plasma to leak
Leukocytosi 8/19/10 from the bloodstream into the
s  Hematology extravascular space
:

Lymphocytopenia Diagnostic: Local edema

(If infection 8/19/10 (swelling)
is prolonged)  Hematology
:
Lymphocytes:
Pressure to the surrounding area

Pain receptors
activated

Back
Pain

41