title: Spinal Neurofibroma Masquerading as a Herniated Disc: A case report.
abstract: We present the only case in English medical literature of a spinal neurofibroma misdiagnosed as a herniated disc using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This case presented with typical symptoms and radiological findings of a herniated disc. Intraoperatively, an abnormality was noted at the S1 nerve root sleeve. Further exploration revealed a spinal neurofibroma which was completely resected, resulting in an improvement in the patient's symptoms. Currently, there is heavy reliance on MRI as a highly sensitive and specific tool used in the diagnosis of herniated lumbar discs. Although there have been occasional reports of misdiagnoses using MRI, there are no reported cases of a spinal neurofibroma being misdiagnosed as a herniated lumbar disc. Despite great advances in radiological diagnostic imaging, surgical surprises do still occur. Ultimately, instinct is still essential in intraoperative surgical decisions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Tariq
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lamki
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ammirati
keywords: Case report; Herniated disc; MRI scan; Misdiagnosis; Neurofibroma; USA