Tuberculous spondylitis

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Patient Data

Age: 50
Gender: Male
ct
This study is a stack
Axial
non-contrast
This study is a stack
Coronal
bone window
This study is a stack
Coronal
non-contrast
This study is a stack
Sagittal
non-contrast
This study is a stack
Sagittal
bone window
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Info

Destructive process involves the left side of the L5 vertebral body. The discs are relatively spared, compared to the degree of bony destruction. 

mri
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T1
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T2
This study is a stack
Sagittal
STIR
This study is a stack
Sagittal T1
C+ fat sat
This study is a stack
Axial
T1
This study is a stack
Axial T1
fat sat
This study is a stack
Axial T1
C+ fat sat
This study is a stack
Sagittal
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Info

Destructive process involves the left side of the L5 vertebral body, with a non-enhancing fluid component laterally. The discs are relatively spared, compared to the degree of bony destruction. Only a small epidural component is present. 

 

pathology
H&E
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Histology

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION:

The sections show necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with scattered nodular aggregates of epithelioid histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells. Necrosis is seen. The granulomas are surrounded by abundant lymphocytes. No tumor is identified. The Grocott stain shows no fungi. The Ziehl-Neelsen stain shows 2 acid fast bacilli.

DIAGNOSIS:

Spinal lesion: Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with acid fast bacilli, in keeping with mycobacterial infection.

 

Microbiology

  • ANTIGEN TESTING (ON ISOLATE) MPT64
    • Antigen Identification Test: M.tuberculosis Complex DETECTED
  • MYCOBACTERIUM CULTURE SCREEN
    • MGIT bottle <13 days POSITIVE
  • MYCOBACTERIAL CULTURE
    • Acid Fast Bacilli ISOLATED 

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