IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Tuberculosis - C2

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Neck pain.

Patient Data

Age: Young adult
ct

A destructive process involves the C2 vertebral body and base of dens with a pathological fracture. It is associated with significant surrounding soft tissue swelling. 

mri

A destructive process affects C2 particularly on the left with peripheral enhancement and central non-enhancement. A small amount of epidural extension is seen contacting but not compressing the cord. Prevertebral swelling. The differential is of metastasis or infection. The degree of swelling favors the later, especially in the absence of known malignancy and in this age group. 

Case Discussion

The patient went on to have a biopsy.

Microbiology

DNA amplification assay for M.tuberculosis complex (PCR):  DETECTED

Mycobacterium culture screen (MGIT bottle 15 days ): POSITIVE

Mycobacterium culture: Acid Fast Bacilli: ISOLATED

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.