Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of MR sequences for the differential
diagnosis of spinal brucellar abscesses which mimic lumbar disc herniation
.
Methods: We analyzed six patients with brucellar abscesses. who had symptom
s mimicking lumbar disc herniation. The study group consisted of three wome
n. and three men who were 15 - 67 (mean = 37) years old. Patients were imag
ed in the axial and sagittal planes with a I.0-T MR scanner using a spine c
oil.
Results: The level of abscesses were accurate in 100% (six of six)of patien
ts with MR imaging. MRI examinations revealed an extradural soft tissue mas
s which were iso- to hypointense compared to spinal cord on T1WI and hyperi
ntense on T2-weighted images. By contrast study, diffuse homogeneous or sli
ghtly heterogeneous enhancements were seen.
Conclusion: Lumbar extradural brucellar abscess can have lumbar disc diseas
e symptoms. MRI may non-invasively and rapidly reveal the presence of spina
l abscess and degree of extension to the spinal canal. Extradural brucellar
abscess should be included in the differential diagnosis of radicular symp
toms caused by disc herniation.