MR EVALUATION OF TUBERCULOUS SPONDYLITIS

A total of 29 proven tuberculous spondylitis patient$ underwent MR stu dies. Gd-DTPA enhancement was performed in 10 patients. Contiguous 2 v ertebral involvement, subligamental spread of paraspinal abscesses and cord indentation were observed in 93% of the cases. Destruction of th e vertebral body occurred in 76%. Intermediate or low TI signal intens ity and high T2 signal intensity were observed by MR. A combination of these characteristic findings strongly suggests the diagnosis of tube rculous spondylitis. Gd-DTPA administration did not facilitate diagnos is. MR examination should be considered as the main imaging modality f or patients with suspected tuberculous spondylitis.