[Centrosomatic tuberculous vertebral osteitis. General review apropos of 4 cases].

Defined by the localisation of tuberculous infection in the vertebral body, centrosomatic tuberculous vertebral osteitis, which is rarer than Pott's spondylodiscitis, is more frequently seen in the cases of multifocal tuberculosis occurring preferentially in male black African immigrants approximately 30 years of age. Central area destruction, which has been the initial and pathognomonic radiological sign since its description by Calve and Galland , may progress towards wedging of the vertebral body, and even to its complete disappearance, accompanied by reactive osteocondensation . Infection from this particular localisation of vertebral tuberculosis may spread via arterial branches posterior to the vertebral bodies.