title: Magnetic resonance imaging of tuberculous spondylitis.
abstract: The clinical and imaging findings of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of tuberculous spondylitis were retrospectively analyzed to assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and determine the different patterns of spine involvement. Fifty-three patients with plain radiographs and MRI of the entire spinal column were included in the study. Sagittal T1- and T2-weighted MRIs of the entire spine and axial T1- and T2-weighted MRIs at the levels of interest were retrospectively evaluated. Plain radiographic correlation was obtained in all patients. The lower thoracic and thoracolumbar spine was the most commonly involved region. Magnetic resonance imaging is effective in the early diagnosis of tuberculous spondylitis. It also detects lesions, which may not be apparent on plain radiographs.
authors.affiliation: Sisli Etfal Teaching Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Senol
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akman
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sirvanci
authors.forename: Ufuk
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Talu
authors.forename: Abdullah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gogus
authors.forename: Azmi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hamzaoglu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000175:diagnosis*