Radiological manifestations of tuberculosis of the spine

Abstract

The classical Roentgenographic features of tuberculosis of the spine such as narrowing of the intervertebral disc , collapse of the vertebral bodies, with or without the shadow of a cold abscess, present a specific pictu re of the aιtual pathological process. However, the diagnosis of tuberculosis is n ot confirmed unless proven by biopsy , or the finding of the tubercle bacillus.120 cases of proven spinal tuberculosis , at Kwangju Christian Hospital during the period from January 1973 through August 1980 , were studied and analysed.The results were as follows:1. The ratio of male to female was 1 : 1.1. The age preference was under 30 years old.2. The most frequent site of involvement was the lumbar spine (44.1%) and next the thoracic (39.2%).3. The incidence of Iytic type was 50.8%, mixed type 36.7%, and sclerotic type 12.5%.4. Associated pulmonary tuberculous lesions were observed in 94 patients (7 8.3%).5. The central type , with wedging or collapse of the vertebral body , was more common in the younger age group and the intervertebral articular type in older patients.6. The incidences of typical radiologic findings were: Collapse of vertebral body (90%) , cold abscess (78 .3%) and narrowing of intervertebral space (70%).7. Associated kyphosis was observed in 37 cases (30 .8%). Among these 37 cases the range of angulation was between 21 to 40 degrees in 40%.