Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis -A Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease, mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its incidence have increased across the globe. Objective: This was a hospital based retrospective study and was used to determine the role of CT in establishing the definitive diagnosis of spinal TB. Material and Methods: The patient data was retrieved from the digital database of the hospital. Out of 120 patients, 14 patients were included in this study. Patients age, sex, symptoms and signs were noted down. CT scan with axial, coronal and sagittal sections were studied. Axial, coronal and sagittal sections of CT were reviewed by an expert radiologist. Results: Fourteen (11.4%) adults with spinal tuberculosis were found among 120 patients during this study period. The mean age (± SD) in our cases was 46.5 (± 22.0) years. Out of 14, 8 were males and 6 were females, with male: female ratio of 1.4. The mean duration was 1.25 years. The most common feature was rachialgia which was seen in 93% of cases, followed by segmental spinal stiffness (50%). The diagnosis in these cases was based on history, physical examination, vertebral radiographs, CT scan and response the medications. On vertebral imaging, lumbar lesions (57%) were seen in most of the cases, followed by dorsal (36%) and cervical (7%) involvement. The prognosis was good in all these cases except in two patients with medullary compression. Conclusion: In the recent years, the incidence of spinal TB has increased in both the developed and developing nations and is difficult to diagnose as histopathology is not done straight away in such cases. The presence of back pain associated with major radiological signs of spondylosis on CT can be used to diagnose this condition