Microscopic examination of the submitted materials reveals fragments of necrotic bone (sequestrum), skeletal muscle, and fibroadipose tissue exhibiting marked inflammatory changes.
The tissue is extensively replaced by a dense mixed acute and chronic inflammatory infiltrate. This infiltrate is dominated by numerous neutrophils forming prominent suppurative areas and microabscesses, admixed with lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes. The inflammation is set within a background of organizing granulation tissue characterized by proliferating small blood vessels and reactive fibroblasts, along with fibrinopurulent exudate, hemorrhage, and necrotic debris. The inflammatory process extends between skeletal muscle fibers with associated degeneration.
No well-formed epithelioid granulomas, caseating necrosis, or multinucleated giant cells are identified to suggest a mycobacterial etiology.
No atypia or evidence of malignancy is seen.
Suspected tuberculous spondylodiscitis (Pott's disease) at the D5-D6 vertebral level causing epidural thickening and focal cord myelopathy.
Three biopsies were received:
Biopsy 1: Received are pieces of soft tissue, measuring in aggregate 1 x 0.7 x 0.4 cm, totally embedded.
Biopsy 2: Received is one piece of soft tissue, measuring 1 x 0.6 x 0.5 cm, totally embedded.
Biopsy 3: Received are fragments of bone, measuring in aggregate 4 x 3 x 1 cm, totally embedded.