Affiliation: | (1) Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty, Yüzüncü Yl University, Mara, 65200 Cad Van, Turkey;(2) Department of Orthopedics, Medical Faculty, Yüzüncü Yl University, Mara, 65200 Cad Van, Turkey;(3) Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, Yüzüncü Yl University, Mara, 65200 Cad Van, Turkey;(4) Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Yüzüncü Yl University, Mara, 65200 Cad Van, Turkey |
Abstract: | Objective Cold abscesses, although common in spinal tuberculosis, are usually localized to the level of infection, follow tissue planes, and may extend into the spinal canal at any level. They may cause symptoms resulting from neurovascular compression, hemorrhage, and direct mass effect.Design and patients We present an unusual case of cervical tuberculous spondylodiscitis in a 25-year old man with a cold abscesses involving the retropharyngeal, mediastinal, and retroperitoneal areas bilaterally. The abscess tracked from the neck to the psoas muscles bilaterally. Following the diagnosis the patient received 9 months of antituberculous therapy.Results MRI showed resolution on medical treatment alone.Conclusions Even in the presence of massive paravertebral cold abscesses medical treatment alone may well suffice for this common worldwide disorder. MRI is ideal for monitoring regression of massive abscesses in deep anatomical locations. |