Bilateral extraordinary huge, multi-compartmental tuberculous abscesses: a case report.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of tuberculous spondylitis with extensive abscess collections. METHOD: A review of one patient with tuberculous spondylitis and extensive paraspinal, subligamentous, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous abscesses including pertinent history, important physical examination, CT and MR imaging findings was performed. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates multiple patterns of tuberculous abscess formation secondary to spinal tuberculosis; included are paraspinal, subligamentous, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous locations. The extension of the abscess should be kept in mind when treating a patient with tuberculous spondylitis. MR imaging is a modality of choice to illustrate full extension of the disease process, which is necessary for therapeutic decision making and planning.