Intramedullary tuberculoma with syringomyelia

Intramedullary tuberculoma with syringomyelia is rare. We treated a woman with back pain and weakness of the left leg that had slowly progressed for more than 30 years. Radiologic evaluation demonstrated a crescent-shaped calcification at the level of the C6 vertebra, and syringomyelia from C7 to T9. Laminectomy and syringosubdural shunt placement were performed, and a tuberculoma was removed. Back pain resolved after the operation, and mobility was facilitated. We recommend surgery for intrathecal tuberculoma with syringomyelia even when the course has been prolonged with no active tuberculous lesion.