ISSN:
1432-0932
Keywords:
Key words Intramedullary spinal
;
tuberculoma
;
MRI
;
Spinal cord
;
Tuberculoma
;
Tuberculosis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Intramedullary spinal tuberculoma is a rare form of central nervous system tuberculosis. Although tuberculosis is unusual in the west, it is still prevalent in Asia and Africa. We report a case in which the diagnosis was made histologically without evidence of symptoms of systemic tuberculosis. The lesion, located in the conus medullaris, mimicked a conus tumor. The patient was a 20-year-old man who presented with a history of progressive leg weakness, urinary urgency, and impotence. There was no history of, or recent contact with, tuberculosis. A diagnosis of an intramedullary tumor in the conus medullaris was made by MRI. The patient underwent a T11-L1 laminectomy and total resection of the lesion with microsurgical technique. Histologic examination revealed a granulomatous lesion containing Langhans’ giant cells, inflammatory cells, and caseating necrosis. Antituberculous medication was instituted as soon as the diagnosis was made. Neurologic symptoms and signs slowly improved postoperatively. A combination of microsurgical resection and antituberculous chemotherapy should be the choice of treatment for intramedullary tuberculomas.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s005860050050
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