[Magnetic resonance tomography in the diagnosis of tuberculous spondylitis].

The examination included 35 patients with clinical and X-ray signs of tuberculous spondylitis. Magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) was performed on a Maganview apparatus (Finland). MRT helped to diagnose an active process in 5 patients. The most manifested changes were found on T2-suspended tomograms to indicate an inflammatory reaction of the bone marrow. MRT was effective in detecting bone marrow compression, its early atrophy, hydromyelia and postoperative changes. MRT can obviously fully replace pneumomyelography and myelography with contrast substances.