Usually the clinical manifestations between spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease) and metastasis are not characteristic. Nevertheless, their respective imaging presentations are typical and specific, which makes it relatively easier to attain a correct diagnosis. Imaging features of Pott's disease, in general, include narrowing of intervertebral disk space, collapse of vertebral bodies with eventual progression to kyphotic deformity, destruction of the anterior parts of adjacent vertebrae, formation of a large paravertebral abscess, and calcifications or sequestra within the paravertebral abscess. Spinal tuberculosis is usually endemic, especially in Eastern countries. However, the trend of cancer incidence is also increasing in modern society, which makes it difficult to diagnose spinal osseous lesions. This article presents a case of a 45-year-old man with a 9-month history of low back pain. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine supported the initial diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. However, pathological examination on the excised specimen resulted in the diagnosis of spinal metastatic adenocarcinoma. We suggest that a definitive diagnosis of spinal metastasis or tuberculosis should not be based on imaging alone. Instead, more attention should be paid to atypical imaging presentations. In addition, biopsy is usually necessary for final diagnosis.

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Simulation on transmittance for different submicron-structures by finite difference time domain method is studied. The objectives of this study are to discuss transmittance for different submicron-structures. Different structures have different effects of transmittance and reflectance; therefore different sizes, shapes, periods and aspect ratios of submicron-structures are discussed in the current study. High transmittance at the visible waveband and heat insulation at the infrared range are expected for application of car window. The simulation results for flat surface and pyramid structures show that the transmittance increases from 95.7 % to 99.8 % at the wavelength of 760 nm and slightly from 96.0 % to 96.3 % at the infrared range. Though the effect of heat insulation slightly decreases while the infrared passes through the submicron-structures, the high visibility helps for car driving safety. The pyramid structure shows the optimal condition for the application of car window at the aspect ratio of 1 to 2 than other shapes.