Spinal tuberculosis CT and MRI features

Description: Tariq Sinan, FRCR*; Hana Al-Khawari, FRCR*; Mohammed Ismail, MD†; Abdulmohsen Ben-Nakhi, FRCR‡; Mehraj Sheikh, MD, FRCR* Ann Saudi Med 24(6) November-December 2004
CONCLUSIONS: MRI offers excellent visualization of the bone and soft tissue com- ponents of spinal tuberculosis and helps to identify disease at distant asymptomatic sites. CT is useful in assessing bone destruction, but is less accurate in defining the epidural extension of the disease and therefore its effect on neural structures. MR imaging clearly demonstrated the extent of soft tissue disease and its effect on the theca/cord and foramen in cases with doubtful CT findings.