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To biopsy or not to biopsy: An 82-year-old patient with a retroperitoneal mass and severe low back pain EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE Horowitz, M., Gayer, G., Itzchak, Y., Rapoport, M. J. 2006; 17 (1): 55-56

Abstract

An 82-year-old patient was admitted to our ward due to disabling severe low back pain. Computed tomography of the spine revealed a retroperitoneal space-occupying lesion encroaching on two adjacent lumbar vertebrae and causing destruction of the cortex of their anterior aspect. The patient was scheduled for a biopsy of the mass. Magnetic resonance (MR) of the lumbar spine, however, suggested that the mass was most probably an aortic aneurysm. The biopsy was cancelled and the patient was referred for surgical intervention. MR is indicated in the evaluation of a solid mass causing vertebral destruction in order to achieve an accurate preoperative diagnosis and prevent a hazardous invasive procedure.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ejim.2005.08.004

View details for Web of Science ID 000242854500012

View details for PubMedID 16378888