Intradural spinal tuberculosis in the absence of vertebral or meningeal tuberculosis

Description: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery 2006:14(1):71-5 CK Sree Harsha, AP Shetty, S Rajasekaran Department of Orthopaedics and Spinal Surgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, South India
We present a patient with spinal intradural tuberculosis in the absence of both vertebral and meningeal tuberculosis. Diagnosis was made based on intra-operative findings and was confirmed by histopathology. Early surgical decompression along with a combination of steroid and antitubercular therapy resulted in a good outcome. At 26-month follow-up, the patient regained bladder control and was able to walk with support. Clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging, and intra-operative findings are described. Pathology and the relevant literature are discussed