J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 May;30(5):915-922.

Tuberculous Spondylitis: Contrast Enhanced MR Imaging

• Kim DI
• Yoon CS
• Suh JH
• Ryu SJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the value of adminstration of IV gadopentetate dimeglumine for MR imaging of tuberculous spondylitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The authors reviewed MR images both with and without contrast enhancement of 22 patients with tuberculous spondylitis. Evaluation of signal characteristics, enhancement patterns, and difference of delineation between pre- and postcontrast enhancement was made on 4 compartments the vertebral body, intervertebral disc, paravertebral space, and extradural space.
RESULTS
The spinal tuberculous lesions revealed relatively low or isosignal intensity on T1-weighted image and high signal intensity on T2-weighted image. The tuberculous lesions of vertebral body showed enhancement of mixed pattern, and rim enhancement pattern was predominant in the other 3 compartment, suggesting abscess. The contrast enhanced MR image showed better demarcation of the extents of tuberculous lesions comparing with noncontrast image, especially at the vertebral body and intervertebral disc. The nature of tuberculous involvement was better visualized at the extradural space and paravertebral space on postcontrast image.
CONCLUSION
We conclude Gd-DTPA enhanced MR image can give informations for more detailed delineation, extents, and nature of involvement in the tuberculous spondylitis.

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Gadolinium DTPA
Humans
Intervertebral Disc
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Retrospective Studies
Spondylitis*
Gadolinium DTPA