Spinal tuberculosis: report of an atypical presentation.

Abstract

A 24-year-old woman was treated by the authors for an atypical form of spinal tuberculosis. The patient had simultaneous involvement of T1, T7, and the right ilium. At the T7 level, the anterior and posterior vertebral elements were involved. These findings closely mimicked spinal malignancies. There was no evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis. A biopsy confirmed tuberculosis and the patient was treated successfully with antituberculosis therapy. It is important to be aware that spinal tuberculosis can mimic spinal malignancy.