In the case described in this report, the patient
also had an isolated gluteal abscess with a relatively
normal lumbar spine plain radiogram. In patients
presenting with gluteal abscess, it is mandatory to
consider tuberculosis of the spine a potential
diagnosis. Direct smear, fine needle aspiration biopsy
and acid fast bacilli culture should be done in all
patients. Microscopic examination of the aspiration
cytology would reveal typical tubercles in an
untreated course of shorter direction of the disease.
Epithelial cells surrounded by lymphocytes in the
configuration of a tubercle are adequate, helpful
evidence of tuberculous pathology in a patient who
has been diagnosed so clinicoradiologically.