[Spinal tuberculosis. Epidemiologic and diagnostic aspects: a study of 28 clinical observations]

To rapidly diagnose spinal tuberculosis in order to improve its prognosis.

A retrospective study of 28 clinical observations of patients treated in the neurosurgery department of Yopougon's University Teaching Hospital during a 7-year period (January 1994-December 2000). The diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis was established based on clinical, radiological microbiological and histologic arguments.

The mean age of the patients is 40 years (from 5 to 75 years of age). The typical spondylodiscitis was the commonest form observed (22 cases) with paravertebral abcess (4 cases). Retropharyngeal abcess was noted in two cases. One case of spondylitis was observed. In two cases, there were a spondylodiscal lesion associated with neural arch lesion. CT scan was helpful in determining the extent of the lesions whereas standard radiography was normal.

The diagnosis is difficult because of the atypical form of spinal tuberculosis. These forms need differential diagnosis with spine tumors.