n SA Journal of Radiology - MRI findings in proven Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) spondylitis : original article

Abstract

The incidence of skeletal TB is increasing. A better understanding of the MRI features of proven TB spondylitis in our setting is needed. <BR><I>Materials and methods.&lt;/I&gt; Histologically proven cases of TB spondylitis, with MR imaging performed at Universitas Hospital on a 1.5T scanner, were reviewed. &lt;BR&gt;&lt;I&gt;Results.&lt;/I&gt; Typical findings of vertebral column involvement were seen in all patients, namely multiple levels affected and paravertebral abscesses. <BR>The thoracic spine was involved more than the lumbar spine. In nearly all cases intervertebral disc involvement was noted. Posterior longitudinal ligaments were intact in all but 1 patient, even though there was some elevation in a number of patients. Abscess walls were also found to be thick instead of thin as expected.