Presentation
Worsening lower back pain for three months.
Patient Data
Age: 20 years
Gender: Male
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Destructive process of the lumbar vertebrae with relative preservation of intervertebral discs. Presence of an abscess in the paraspinal space and within the psoas muscles, widely more extended on the left side, reaching the groin. In L4-L5 part of the fluid collection is also extended through the left neuroforamen within the epidural space.
Case Discussion
Tuberculous spondylitis should be considered in case of abnormal signal intensity of the paraspinal space, subligamentous spread to ≥ 3 vertebrae, relative intervertebral disc sparing and smooth abscess wall.
Pathologically proven Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (Pott disease).