Diskitis, Tuberculous

Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Nidus of infection is in a vertebral body with spread up and down the vertebral column via paraspinal ligaments. Compromises intervening discs by direct invasion. Lower thoracic / upper lumbar spine are most common areas. Scoliosis and kyphosis are frequent complications.

Pathology:
Not applicable

Imaging Findings:
Paraspinal abscesses are common and may calcify. Ninety percent of patients have at least two vertebral bodies involved. Infection is limited to the vertebral body and its posterior elements are spared. Paravertebral soft tissue masses, vertebral body destruction, and loss of disc spaces are seen.

DDX:

• Nontuberculous spondylitis - radiographically indistinguishable
• Sarcoidosis
• Neoplasm - which usually involves one vertebral level and spares the disc
• Histiocytosis X - results in vertebral body destruction with collapse to thin plate - vertebra plana with normal intervertebral disc

References:
See References Chapter.

Section Top | Title Page

See related Provider Topics Bone Diseases, Bones, Joints and Muscles, Infections, Lungs and Breathing or Tuberculosis.

See related Patient Topics Bone Diseases, Bones, Joints and Muscles, Infections, Lungs and Breathing or Tuberculosis.

All contents copyright © 1992-2004 the Author(s) and The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/provider/radiology/PAP/MSDiseases/DiskitisTB.html