Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
Multifocal skeletal tuberculosis: experience in diagnosis and treatment
Liang Hong1, Jin-Guo Wu, Ji-Guang Ding
1Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital to Wenzhou Medical College, Rui'an, Zhejiang, 108, Wan song Road, Rui'an, 325200 Zhejiang, China.
Multifocal skeletal tuberculosis (MSTB) can occur in patients on immunosuppressive drugs. Early diagnosis and treatment with chemotherapy and supportive therapies are effective for MSTB.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multifocal skeletal tuberculosis (MSTB) is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis.
- Diagnosis and management of MSTB require further clinical insights.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old male presented with worsening back pain, weight loss, and fever.
- Initial diagnosis was ankylosing spondylitis, treated with immunosuppressants.
- MSTB was diagnosed with 26 lesions in 19 locations via imaging and bone marrow analysis.
Findings:
- The patient was treated with multiple antituberculous drugs, supportive care, and immune enhancement.
- The patient achieved a cure.
Implications:
- MSTB can develop in patients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy.
- High clinical suspicion is crucial for early MSTB diagnosis.
- Combined chemotherapy, supportive, and immune-based therapies are effective for MSTB treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Tuberculosis