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Brucellar spondylitis mimicking lumbar disc herniation. Case report
1Marmara University Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul, Turkey.
Paraplegia
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Brucellar spondylitis can mimic lumbar disc herniation due to inflammation causing nerve root compression. Early diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging is crucial for differentiating infectious discitis from common disc herniations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Lumbar disc herniation is a common cause of radicular symptoms.
- Brucellar spondylitis is a serious spinal infection that can present with similar symptoms.
Observation:
- A patient initially diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation was found to have brucellar spondylitis.
- Inflammation in early discitis can enlarge disc tissue, compressing nerve roots and mimicking disc herniation.
Findings:
- Brucellar spondylitis can present as a lumbar disc herniation, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a critical role in distinguishing between infectious discitis and disc herniation.
Implications:
- Infectious discitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of radicular symptoms, especially when typical disc herniation is suspected.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging like MRI is essential for appropriate treatment of spinal infections.