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Tuberculosis of the spine: imaging features
1Department of Radiology, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Spinal tuberculosis is rising due to increased risk factors. Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing severe spinal damage and neurologic complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Spinal tuberculosis is the most common skeletal TB manifestation, with increasing prevalence.
- Risk factors include HIV/AIDS, homelessness, and immigration.
- Diagnosis is often delayed due to the infection's indolent nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the diverse imaging findings of spinal tuberculosis.
- To highlight the spectrum of radiographic manifestations.
- To demonstrate the utility of MR imaging in assessing disease extent.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging findings from plain radiographs, bone scans, CT scans, myelograms, and MR images.
- Illustrative case examples of spinal tuberculosis.
Main Results:
- Radiographic findings include abscess formation, vertebral destruction, and epidural extension.
- Delayed diagnosis leads to advanced disease at presentation.
- MR imaging is valuable for determining the extent of spinal tuberculosis.
Conclusions:
- Spinal tuberculosis presents with varied imaging findings, often advanced at diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent spinal deformity and neurologic damage.
- Comprehensive imaging, particularly MR, aids in evaluating disease extent.