# Diagnostic Delay of Spinal Tuberculosis Causing Medullary Compression

## TL;DR

A young woman from the Philippines experienced delayed diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis, which led to medullary compression after months of unexplained back pain.

## Contribution

The case emphasizes the need to consider tuberculosis in differential diagnoses in high-endemic regions to prevent delays.

## Key findings

- Spinal tuberculosis was diagnosed after four months of unexplained back pain and multiple incorrect differential diagnoses.
- Diagnostic delay occurred due to initial misinterpretation of symptoms as other conditions like ulcers or cancer.
- The case underscores the risk of disease progression from delayed diagnosis in tuberculosis-endemic areas.

## Abstract

We present a case of a Philippine woman in her late twenties, diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis after surgical intervention due to medullary compression. The diagnosis was preceded by four months of unexplained back pain. Differential diagnoses included ulcer, liver-gallbladder disease, musculoskeletal causes, and cancer. This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis as a differential diagnosis in patients from high-endemic areas to avoid diagnostic delay and the risk of disease progression.