Tuberculosis of the spine : radiological imaging : case report

Background: Skeletal tuberculosis constitutes 1-3% of all cases of tuberculosis and involves the spine in up to 50% of cases, most commonly the thoracolumbar spine. The purpose of this article is to review the case of a 47-year-old man who complained of back pain, weakness of muscles and weight loss. Case report: He was examined with conventional anteriorposterior and lateral X-rays of thoracic spine, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. Radiological imaging suggested tubercolosis of the spine. The authors present the imaging procedures applied to diagnose this case. Conventional radiography was used as the first basic examination. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) were used as complementary methods. Conclusions: The final diagnosis was based on a biopsy of the bone. The definite diagnosis is required to adequate treatment. In some cases surgical treatment is used.