Paraspinal tuberculosis is an uncommon manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis,
and in rare cases, these lesions can mimic malignant lesions. We report a case of
an elderly man where imaging showed extensive left paraspinal lesion which was mimicking
malignant neoplasm. The patient underwent L3–L4 unilateral partial laminotomy, there
was grayish, relatively avascular lesion in the left paraspinal region, involving
the left psoas muscle and going into the neural foramina, and a subtotal resection
of the lesion could be performed. However, after biopsy, it turned out to be tuberculoma,
and the patient was on antitubercular therapy and doing well. The present case illustrates
that extensive involvement of the paraspinal soft tissue and adjacent bony structures
on imaging in tuberculosis can mimic malignant tumors. Conservative surgical excision
will help in preserving the bony elements and in establishing the diagnosis.
Key-words:
Paraspinal tuberculosis - paraspinal tumors - spinal tuberculosis - tuberculoma
