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Skeletal tuberculosis in children
Harvey E L Teo1, Wilfred C G Peh
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899, Singapore. eteo@kkh.com.sg
Pediatric Radiology
|July 28, 2004
Summary
Pediatric skeletal tuberculosis imaging reveals common patterns like spondylitis, arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Radiography, CT, and MRI are crucial for diagnosing these bone infections in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Skeletal Imaging
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) incidence is rising globally.
- Skeletal TB constitutes 10-20% of all extrapulmonary TB cases.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of pediatric skeletal TB is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and present the characteristic imaging findings of skeletal tuberculosis in children.
- To highlight the utility of various imaging modalities in diagnosing pediatric skeletal TB.
- To differentiate common presentations of skeletal TB in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging findings in pediatric skeletal tuberculosis.
- Discussion of radiographic, ultrasonographic, CT, and MRI features.
- Correlation of imaging findings with disease manifestations.
Main Results:
- Common pediatric skeletal TB manifestations include spondylitis, arthritis, and osteomyelitis.
- Tuberculous spondylitis may show disc involvement late, with potential for skip lesions and paravertebral spread.
- Tuberculous osteomyelitis presents as cystic or infiltrative lesions, including spina ventosa.
Conclusions:
- Radiographs remain essential for initial evaluation of bony lesions.
- CT is valuable for assessing bony destruction, especially in the spine.
- MRI is superior for detecting early marrow involvement and soft-tissue extension.