Isolated atypical spinal tuberculosis mistaken for neoplasia: case report and literature review

Abstract

We report a case of isolated intra-spinal tuberculosis in a 45 year-old woman. The uncommon findings in MRI were more suggestive of tumor lesion. After 3 month history of low back pain and 2 weeks radiated pain of right lower extremity, an operation was performed and the total intra-spinal mass was resected. Histological examination revealed a granulomatous necrosis with caseum. Symptoms were greatly improved postoperatively and then the patient was treated with four anti-tuberculosis drugs. This case indicated the complexity of differentiating atypical spinal tuberculosis from disease which could cause spinal cord and cauda equina compression.