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MR features of tuberculous arachnoiditis
A Kumar1, W Montanera, R Willinsky
1Department of Radiology, Toronto Hospital-Western Division, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Tuberculosis can cause spinal arachnoiditis, a treatable condition. MRI is useful for diagnosing the active phase, showing thickened meninges and spinal cord changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal arachnoiditis requires differentiation from various causes, as tuberculosis-induced arachnoiditis is treatable.
- Tuberculous arachnoiditis is an uncommon but significant differential diagnosis in spinal inflammatory conditions.
Observation:
- Myelography is the preferred imaging for chronic tuberculous arachnoiditis, revealing thecal sac irregularity, nerve root clumping, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) block.
- Recent advancements include Gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced MRI, which is effective for the active phase of tuberculous infection.
Findings:
- Enhanced MRI demonstrates thickened and enhancing meninges, intra- and extramedullary tuberculous nodules, and spinal cord alterations in active tuberculous arachnoiditis.
- The study presents MRI features specific to acute tuberculous arachnoiditis, highlighting its diagnostic utility.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of tuberculous arachnoiditis through advanced imaging like MRI is crucial for timely and effective treatment.
- Differentiating tuberculous arachnoiditis from other etiologies ensures appropriate management, potentially improving patient outcomes.