Tortuous vertebral artery simulating extradural spinal tumour.

A rare case of cervical bone erosion resulting from pressure exerted by a congenital tortuous vertebral artery is presented with seven additional cases from the literature. The 3-4 level, especially on the left side, has been the most commonly affected site. The importance of the knowledge of this entity lies in the fact that it causes a surgically treatable radiculopathy, and also that this condition could easily be mistaken for a tumour, leading to accidental bleeding if carelessly approached.