[Spinal tuberculosis. Study of clinical and radiological aspects from a series of 82 cases]

We present a retrospective study of 82 cases of spinal tuberculosis diagnosed over the last 30 years. An increasing incidence of this disease not related to HIV infection has become apparent since 1992. 24% of patients were born outside continental France. The intradermal reaction was negative in 10% of patients. Discovertebral lesions detected in 93% of patients was the most frequent radiological presentation. Spondylitis with osteolysis or bone sclerosis at single or multiple levels was seen in the others. Tuberculous lesion of the posterior arch was associated in 10% of patients. In most cases CT scan showed a fragmentary vertebral destruction which was characteristic of the disease. MRI revealed the precise extent of the lesions into the spinal canal. Morphologic features suggestive of the tuberculous nature of paravertebral abcesses could be demonstrated when slices were performed in the axial or coronal plan. Tuberculous involvement of the spine is still a frequent disease. The main clinical and radiological findings are presented.