Magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of tuberculous spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the nature of the paraspinal soft tissue mass and the location of the lesion involved using magnetic resonance imaging and to correlate these observations with surgical findings.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

In the past, tuberculous spondylitis was diagnosed by plain radiography and since the 1970s, computed tomography has been a useful method for assessing tuberculous spondylitis. In contrast to most imaging methods, MRI has the advantages of improved contrast resolution for bone and soft tissues and versatility of direct imaging in multiple planes.

METHODS

Medical records and magnetic resonance imaging studies of 22 patients with bacteriologically and/or histologically proved tuberculous spondylitis were reviewed. In each patient, the numbers of vertebrae involved were evaluated as well as which columns of vertebrae were affected and the signal intensities of lesions. In addition, an attempt was made to determine if granulation tissue differed from the abscess based on magnetic resonance imaging appearance and to compare the outcome with surgical findings.

RESULTS

The average number of vertebrae involved per patient was 2.8 and T8 and T9 were the vertebrae most frequently affected. The destruction of vertebrae and discs was easily identified in both sagittal and axial planes. The peripheral margins were exclusively enhanced in all cases. Of particular interest, the posterior aspect of the vertebral body was predominantly involved. Mostly the involvement of both anterior and middle columns was noted. With the aid of intravenous administration of magnetic resonance contrast agents, magnetic resonance imaging was highly accurate in distinguishing the granulation tissue from the cold abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated excellent images of bone destruction and soft tissue mass, and provided information in multiple planes, thereby delineating the extent of involvement in tuberculous spondylitis. Magnetic resonance imaging is most helpful in planning a surgical approach to tuberculous spondylitis.