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Intramedullary tuberculoma with syringomyelia
Rieko Kobayashi1, Shinji Togashi, Takamura Nagasaka
1Department of Neurology, Yamanashi Medical University, Yamanashi, Japan.
Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques
|March 14, 2002
Summary
Intramedullary tuberculoma with syringomyelia is a rare condition. Surgical removal of the tuberculoma and placement of a syringosubdural shunt effectively treated a patient with long-standing symptoms, improving mobility.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intramedullary tuberculoma is a rare spinal cord tumor.
- Syringomyelia, a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord, can be associated with spinal cord lesions.
- Tuberculomas are granulomatous inflammatory masses caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Observation:
- A rare case of a patient presenting with chronic back pain and progressive left leg weakness over 30 years.
- Radiological findings revealed a calcified intramedullary tuberculoma at C6 and extensive syringomyelia from C7 to T9.
- The patient had no evidence of active tuberculosis.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included laminectomy, tuberculoma removal, and syringosubdural shunt placement.
- Postoperatively, the patient experienced resolution of back pain and improved mobility.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculoma.
Implications:
- Surgical treatment is recommended for spinal tuberculomas causing syringomyelia, even in chronic cases without active disease.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare etiologies for prolonged neurological deficits.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management can lead to significant functional recovery in patients with intramedullary tuberculoma and syringomyelia.