Role of MRI in the evaluation of Spinal Tuberculosis

Dr Sonia N Misquitta; Dr Saijyot Raut; Dr Ashutosh Chitnis

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2018

Role of MRI in the evaluation of Spinal Tuberculosis

Dr Sonia N Misquitta, Dr Saijyot Raut, Dr Ashutosh Chitnis

Abstract :

Background:

MRI is now the preferred imaging modality and technique to define the activity and extent of disease in patients suspected with spinal tuberculosis.

The objective of the study was to describe various radiological features on MRI of spinal tuberculosis and to assess its role in evaluation of extent of disease.

Methods: A study of 50 patients with proven spinal tuberculosis were retrospectively analysed to determine the pattern of occurrence of various pathological lesions and extent of soft tissue involvement, was carried out in the Department of Radio–Diagnosis, MGM Institute of Health Sciences. Post–operative and Follow–Up cases were excluded from this study.

Results: Of the 50 cases examined, MRI scan showed the most affected level of the spine was lumbar spine with lumbar vertea being the most commonly affected vertea seen in 30% of the cases followed by thoracolumbar vertea (26%)and thoracic vertea (24%).

Interverteal disc involvement was seen in 88% of cases with an epidural component occurring in 32% of the cases. Wedge collapse of verteal body accounted for 56%, pre and para verteal involvement was noted in 36% and complete destruction of vertea was observed in 12% of the cases. Conclusion:

It has been noted that MRI is a valuable tool in the evaluation of spinal tuberculosis.It is very sensitive for the detection of different pathological processes, pattern of occurrence, depiction of soft tissue involvement, cord involvement and nerve root integrity. It aids in diagnosing spinal tuberculosis in early stages and henceprompt treatment prevents spinal deformity and neurological deficit.