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MRI findings in proven Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) spondylitis


DJ Kotze
LJ Erasmus

Abstract



The incidence of skeletal TB is increasing. A better understanding of the
MRI features of proven TB spondylitis in our setting is needed. Materials and methods. Histologically proven cases of TB spondylitis, with MR imaging performed at Universitas Hospital on a 1.5T scanner, were reviewed. Results. Typical findings of vertebral column involvement were seen in all patients, namely multiple levels affected and paravertebral
abscesses. 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.

South African Journal of Radiology Vol. 10 (2) 2006: pp. 6-12

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eISSN: 2078-6778
print ISSN: 1027-202X