The Role of MRI in Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis: Spinal Tuberculosis

Tuberculous spondylodiscitis is the most common site of osteoarticular tuberculosis. The aim of our study is to clarify the MRI findings of tuberculous spondylodiscitis and to demonstrate its value in diagnosing this condition through a retrospective study of 25 cases. The diagnosis was confirmed based on bacteriological and/or histological evidence in 15 cases and on a combination of clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings in the remaining cases. All of our patients underwent spinal MRI; the lesions appeared as T1-hypointense, T2-hyperintense lesions with enhancement following gadolinium injection. The course of the disease during treatment was marked by recovery in 21 cases and neurological sequelae in 4 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a fundamental role in tuberculous spondylodiscitis; it enables early diagnosis, assessment of the extent of the lesions, and monitoring of their progression.