MR imaging of tuberculous vertebral osteomyelitis: pictorial review

Vertebral osteomyelitis is one of the most common manifestations of tubercu losis. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the main imaging modality f or the diagnosis, the demonstration of the extent of the disease, and follo w-up studies. Vertebral destruction involving two consecutive levels with s paring of the intervertebral disc, disc herniation into the vertebral body, epidural involvement, and paraspinal abscess are the most common MRI findi ngs suggestive of tuberculous vertebral osteomyelitis.