Lumbar spinal root compression caused by Brucella granuloma.

STUDY

DESIGN

A case report of rarely seen extradural brucellosis granuloma causing spinal root compression in the lumbar region.

OBJECTIVE

To point out the possibility of extradural compression caused by brucellosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many investigators have indicated that myelopathy or radiculopathy caused by irritation or compression by tiny abscess, disc herniation, or extradural granuloma may occur in brucellosis. Failure to make the correct diagnosis is possible because of the absence of such symptoms of brucellosis as fever, sweating, or fatigue and because findings of physical examination, radiography, and myelography indicate intervertebral disc herniation.

METHODS

Review and discussion of the case history are presented.

RESULTS

Brucella granuloma compressing the right L5 root and dural sac was diagnosed on computed tomographic scans and was excised subtotally after laminectomy and facetectomy.

CONCLUSION

The possibility of extradural compression caused by brucellosis should be considered in endemic areas and must be differentiated from an intervertebral disc herniation by means of agglutination testing and bone scan.