Short-Term Resolution of Herniated Disk Mimicking Tumor.

Abstract

We report a middle-aged man with a history of back pain and right-sided sciatica. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an atypical disk fragment with radiologic characteristics of a spinal tumor. Follow-up imaging shows resolution of the lesion. Clinical symptoms resolved simultaneously. Clinical and radiologic characteristics cannot distinguish atypical disk herniation from tumors. While no imaging method allows distinguishing between these 2 entities, resolution of a disk herniation is not uncommon. In the absence of muscle weakness, follow-up imaging rather than surgery is advised in order to clarify its true entity.