JMCR: Clinical Minute
Chen, Y., Wang, H. Delayed diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis mimicking spondyloarthritis: a case report. J Med Case Reports (2026).
Published in Neuroscience and Biomedical Research
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Delayed diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis mimicking spondyloarthritis: a case report
Article Highlights
- Spinal tuberculosis may closely mimic axial spondyloarthritis, leading to prolonged diagnostic delay.
- Temporary symptomatic improvement with immunosuppressive therapy does not exclude an underlying spinal infection.
- Vertebral destruction, preserved disc height, and paravertebral abscess on imaging should prompt evaluation for spinal tuberculosis.
- Early microbiologic confirmation using T-SPOT.TB, Xpert MTB/RIF, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing facilitates accurate diagnosis.
- Timely surgical intervention combined with standard antituberculous therapy can restore function and prevent spinal deformity and neurological complications.
Follow the Topic
Biomedical Research
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Biomedical Research
Central nervous system infections
Life Sciences > Biological Sciences > Neuroscience > Neurological Disorders > Central nervous system infections
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Journal of Medical Case Reports
This journal will consider any original case report that expands the field of general medical knowledge, and original research relating to case reports.
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