Spinal toxoplasmic arachnoiditis associated with osteoid formation: a rare presentation of toxoplasmosis
Cosan, T.E.; Kabukcuoğlu, S.; Arslantas, A.; Atasoy, M.A.; Dogan, N.; Ozgunes, I.; Kebabci, M.; Tel, E.
Spine 26(15): 1726-1728
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0362-2436 PMID: 11474362 Document Number: 534720
Study Design: An extremely rare presentation of an isolated spinal toxoplasmic arachnoiditis is described. Objective: To draw attention to the fact that spinal arachnoid membranes may be a potential reservoir for Toxoplasma gondii. Summary of Background Data: Central nervous system toxoplasmosis is a common manifestation in patients who are immunodeficient. Reports on the spinal toxoplasmosis are rare and focused on spinal cord involvement. Methods: An adult patient presented with symptoms of spastic paraparesis that had begun 13 years before admission. Thoracic spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed small lesions in posterior subarachnoid space at Th7-Th8. A Th7-Th8 laminectomy was performed. Intradural-extramedullary lesions were excised. Results: Clinical, immunologic, and pathologic examinations showed adhesive spinal arachnoiditis associated with osteoid formation caused by past toxoplasmic infection. There was no impairment of the immunologic defense system. Conclusion: Where no causative factor is found in serious spinal adhesive arachnoiditis, the possibility of spinal toxoplasmosis should also be investigated.