[Computed tomography and magnetic resonance tomography in tuberculous spondylitis. A review of the literature and the authors' own observations].
OBJECTIVE
The findings of tuberculous spondylitis in MRT have been described extensively. Nevertheless the diagnostic value of both methods in the diagnosis of this severe manifestation of the tuberculous disease was not yet defined definitely.


METHODS
We performed a review of the recent literature and a retrospective analysis of the findings in ten patients with proven tuberculous spondylitis. Here we evaluated 10 CT and 6 MRT.


RESULTS
Major findings in computed tomography (n = 10) were osseous sequestration (8/10), subperiosteal bone apposition (6/10), abscess of the surrounding tissue. (8/10) and calcification of the masses (3/10). In all cases which were examined by MRT (n = 6) marrow edema was seen. Affection of the soft tissue was described by means of MRT in 5/6 patients. All patients showed rim enhancement.


CONCLUSIONS
MRT shows signs of infection (bone marrow edema) which is an early but rather unspecific finding. The commonness of osseous lesions in advanced tuberculous spondylitis suggests a benefit of computed tomography in the later stages. Both methods are complementary in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous and non-specific spondylitis.
Kirchner
T H
TH
Institut für diagnostische und interventionelle Radiologie, Klinikum der Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe-Universität Frankfurt.
Kirchner
J
J
Schneider
M
M
Lücke
R
R
Liermann
D
D
Vogl
T
T
Jacobi
V
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000175:diagnosis*