Bilateral Extraordinary Huge, Multi-compartmental Tuberculous Abscesses: A Case Report
Thavat Prasartritha MD*, Suphaneewan Jaovisidha MD**
Affiliation : * Institute of Orthopaedic, Lerdsin Hospital ** Department of Radiology, Ramathibodi Hospital
Objective : To illustrate computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of
tuberculous spondylitis with extensive abscess collections.
Method : A review of one patient with tuberculous spondylitis and extensive paraspinal, subligamentous,
retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous abscesses including pertinent history, important physical examination,
CT and MR imaging findings was performed.
Result and
Conclusion : This case demonstrates multiple patterns of tuberculous abscess formation secondary
to spinal tuberculosis; included are paraspinal, subligamentous, retroperitoneal, and subcutaneous
locations. The extension of the abscess should be kept in mind when treating a patient with tuberculous
spondylitis. MR imaging is a modality of choice to illustrate full extension of the disease process, which is
necessary for therapeutic decision making and planning.
Keywords : Tuberculous, Retroperitoneal, Abscess
