A Lumbar Disc Herniation Misdiagnosed as A Neurofibromatosis Type I: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

We describe a rare case of an extradural disc herniation mimicking an extradural spinal tumor radiologically. It is often quite difficult to differentiate a sequestered disc from an extradural tumor when the discal fragments are migrated away from the origin. Distinguishable features of clinical and radiological characteristics between sequestered discs and benign intraspinal tumors were discussed. Although a well enhancing spherical mass in the spinal canal is routinely diagnosed as tumors, a free sequestered disc fragment also should be taken into consideration. This case demonstrates the role and the importance of contrast magnetic resonance imaging and of a clinical history in the diagnosis of disc herniation.