Diagnosis Of Spinal Tuberculosis Research Articles

Diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health issue, with spinal tuberculosis being a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Despite the high morbidity associated with spinal tuberculosis, effective and rapid diagnostic methods are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the GeneXpert compared to other microbiological methods in diagnosing spinal tuberculosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central) were searched for relevant studies as of August 31, 2023. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on patients diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis and comparing GeneXpert to microbiological culture, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two authors independently performed data extraction and quality assessment, and the meta-analysis was conducted using Meta-DiSc 2.0. Fourteen studies comprising retrospective cohort, prospective cohort, and cross-sectional designs were included. GeneXpert demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 92% (85-96%) and specificity of 71% (51-86%) compared to culture. AFB smear had the highest specificity at 80% (70- 88%) but the lowest sensitivity at 27% (20-35%). The PCR had sensitivity and specificity of 83% (67-92%) and 58% (31-81%), respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was noted across the studies. This study highlighted that GeneXpert had high sensitivity and moderate specificity in diagnosing spinal tuberculosis, making it an alternative to conventional methods. However, further validation through larger, interventional studies is necessary to standardize its use in clinical practice.

Difficulties in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis (clinical observation)

Neurological disorders are widely recognized as the most frequent and dangerous complication of neglected forms of spinal tuberculosis, typically leading to disability. Since tuberculous spondylitis remains free from pathognomonic clinical symptoms, the disease should be suspected in case of ineffective treatment of a non-tuberculous disease with a particular form of spinal tuberculosis to be behind. The diagnostic algorithm, being implemented from the initial stage of tuberculous osteitis formation, involves timely anti-tuberculosis treatment and correct management of patients, thereby making the basis for preventing the neurological disorders and disability of patients. The presented clinical cases indicate the advantage of an integrated approach in the diagnosis of this pathology in terms of establishing the tuberculous etiology of spondylitis.

Unmasking the great imitators-noninfectious conditions masquerading as spinal tuberculosis in a developing country: A single-center case series analysis

The diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis often relies on clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings, particularly in resource-constrained settings. However, numerous noninfectious conditions exhibit similar clinical and radiological features to spinal tuberculosis, leading to potential misdiagnosis in the absence of microbiological or histopathological confirmation. This study aims to present a case series from a developing country, highlighting noninfectious conditions that mimic spinal tuberculosis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on hospital records and imaging of patients diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis, lacking microbiological or histopathological evidence, and unresponsive to empirical antitubercular treatment. Patients displaying noninfectious conditions resembling spinal tuberculosis upon further investigation were included. Clinical and radiological findings of these patients were thoroughly analyzed. Among a total of 23 patients observed over a 6-year period (2015-2020), various noninfectious conditions were identified as mimickers of spinal tuberculosis. These conditions included vertebral body haemangioma, ankylosing spondylitis (with or without Andersson lesion), rheumatoid pannus, osteoid osteoma, cystic hygroma, multiple myeloma, vertebral metastasis, malignant small round-cell tumor, pancreatic pseudocyst, esophageal duplication cyst, Modic changes in degenerative disc disease, Paget's disease, and psoas hematoma. Noninfectious spinal conditions can masquerade as spinal tuberculosis, underscoring the importance of obtaining a definitive tissue diagnosis before initiating antitubercular treatment. Particular attention should be given to features such as central lesions and the absence of soft tissue involvement in suspected cases of spinal tuberculosis, warranting a careful reconsideration of the diagnosis.

The value of histopathology combined with CapitalBio Mycobacterium real-time polymerase chain reaction test for diagnosing spinal tuberculosis.

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of CapitalBio Mycobacterium real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (CapitalBio test) in spinal tuberculosis (STB). The value of histopathology combined with the CapitalBio test in diagnosing STB was also assessed. We retrospectively analyzed the medical information of suspected STB. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the curve (AUC) of histopathology, CapitalBio test, and histopathology combined with CapitalBio test were calculated to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy compared with a composite reference standard. A total of 222 suspected STB patients were included in the study. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC of histopathology for STB were recorded to be 62.0, 98.0, 97.4, 68.3%, and 0.80, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC of the CapitalBio test were 75.2, 98.0, 97.9, 76.7%, and 0.87, respectively, while that of histopathology combined with the CapitalBio test was 81.0, 96.0, 96.1, 80.8%, and 0.89, respectively. Histopathology and CapitalBio test exhibited high accuracy and are recommended in diagnosing STB. Histopathology combined with the CapitalBio test might give the best efficacy in STB diagnosis.

Utility of clinicoradiological, microbiological, histopathological, and molecular methods in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis.

The diagnosis of STB is mainly based on clinicoradiological observations substantiated by bacterial culture, staining, Gene Xpert, and histopathology. The purpose of the study was to correlate these methods to evaluate the effectiveness in the diagnosis of STB. A total of 178 clinicoradiologically suspected cases of STB were included in the study. The specimens for diagnostic workup were collected either during surgery or by CT-guided biopsy. All these specimens were tested for tuberculosis through ZN staining, solid culture, histopathology, and PCR. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of each test were calculated using histopathology as a gold standard. Out of the 178 cases, a total of 15 cases were excluded from this study. Among the remaining 163 cases, TB was diagnosed in 143 [87.73%] on histopathology, 130 [79.75%] on Gene Xpert, 40 [24.53%] on culture, and 23 [14.11%] on ZN stain. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of Gene Xpert were 86.71, 70, 95.38, and 42.42%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of AFB culture were 27.97, 100, 100, and 16.26%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of AFB stain were 16.08, 100, 100, and 14.29%, respectively. Gene Xpert showed a moderate agreement [Ƙc = 0.4432] with histopathology. No single diagnostic modality can ascertain the diagnosis, and it is desirable to have a combination of diagnostic batteries for better results. A combination of Gene Xpert and histopathology aids in early and reliable diagnosis of STB.

MMP9 and STAT1 are biomarkers of the change in immune infiltration after anti-tuberculosis therapy, and the immune status can identify patients with spinal tuberculosis

BackgroundDue to a lack of studies on immune-related pathogenesis and a clinical diagnostic model, the diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis (STB) remains uncertain. Our study aimed to investigate the possible pathogenesis of STB and to develop a clinical diagnostic model for STB based on immune cell infiltration. MethodsLabel-free quantification protein analysis of five pairs of specimens was used to determine the protein expression of the intervertebral disc in STB and non-STB. GO enrichment analysis, and KEGG pathway analysis were used to investigate the pathogenesis of STB. The Hub proteins were then eliminated. Four datasets were downloaded from the GEO database to analyze immune cell infiltration, and the results were validated using blood routine test data from 8535TB and 7337 non-TB patients. Following that, clinical data from 164 STB and 162 non-STB patients were collected. The Random-Forest algorithm was used to screen out clinical predictors of STB and build a diagnostic model. The differential expression of MMP9 and STAT1 in STB and controls was confirmed using immunohistochemistry. ResultsMMP9 and STAT1 were STB Hub proteins that were linked to disc destruction in STB. MMP9 and STAT1 were found to be associated with Monocytes, Neutrophils, and Lymphocytes in immune cell infiltration studies. Data from 15,872 blood routine tests revealed that the Monocytes ratio and Neutrophils ratio was significantly higher in TB patients than in non-TB patients (p < 0.001), while the Lymphocytes ratio was significantly lower in TB patients than in non-TB patients (p < 0.001). MMP9 and STAT1 expression were downregulated following the anti-TB therapy. For STB, a clinical diagnostic model was built using six clinical predictors: MR, NR, LR, ESR, BMI, and PLT. The model was evaluated using a ROC curve, which yielded an AUC of 0.816. ConclusionsMMP9 and STAT1, immune-related hub proteins, were correlated with immune cell infiltration in STB patients. MR, NR, LR ESR, BMI, and PLT were clinical predictors of STB. Thus, the immune cell Infiltration-related clinical diagnostic model can predict STB effectively.

Spinal tuberculosis at an uncommon site (L5-S1): A case report and review of literature

Lumbosacral junction represents an uncommon site for tuberculosis with very few cases reported. We present a case report of 42-year old male with diagnosis of Spinal tuberculosis at L5-S1 who was treated with Posterior decompression and pedicle screw fixation along with the cover of ATT.

A Rarely Occurring Spinal Fracture Precipitated by Generalized Spasms of Tetanus Patient with Spondylitis Tuberculosis

BackgroundThe occurrence of spinal fracture due to tetanus nowadays is extremely rare, as compared to the 1950s, since the widely available anti-tetanus and antispasmodic therapy. The spinal fracture in tetanus patients is usually reported in higher thoracic vertebrae, previously with a rate as high as 57.5%. Spondylitis is the most common form of skeletal tuberculosis (TB) and can cause a spinal fracture. In Indonesia, tetanus is still reported, while tuberculosis is still endemic; however, co-infection of both diseases is rarely reported.Case PresentationA 36-year-old male was brought to our hospital with jaw stiffness, accompanied by fever. A history of dental cavities was present, and 5 days prior, he experienced a fishing hook wound on his right index finger. There was no history of TB. Physical examination showed meningismus, 2 cm trismus, abdominal spasm, opisthotonus, and spontaneous muscle spasms, without dysautonomia. In the third week of hospitalization, while his tetanus condition improved, he complained of weakness in both legs. A thorough history taking revealed a history of backache for 3 years. A wedge-shaped fracture on his 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae was observed on radiographic examination. A spinal TB diagnosis was made, and treatment was started. He refused to get spinal surgery, then went home with 4 out of 5 motor strength scale. After three months, he returned to his routine activity as a food hawker with no motor deficits.ConclusionTetanus spinal fracture is extremely rare nowadays; a thorough history of spinal problems/medication is compulsory for anticipation. This patient’s spinal fracture was deemed due to a preexisting TB spinal infection that was precipitated by prolonged continuous tetanic spasm due to general tetanus.

Analysis of the Value of Serum Biomarker LBP in the Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the expression of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) in peripheral blood of spinal tuberculosis and clinical diagnosis and to evaluate its value as a diagnostic marker of spinal tuberculosis.MethodsIn the experimental group, clinical history data and peripheral blood were collected from 100 patients with spinal tuberculosis who were admitted to the Department of Spine Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from May 2017 to May 2020, and peripheral blood was collected from 30 healthy volunteers in the control group. Screening of differential LBP expression by proteomics and ELISA to verify its expression in peripheral blood of spinal tuberculosis patients. t-test, Spearman analysis, linear regression and ROC curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of LBP in peripheral blood for spinal tuberculosis.ResultsThe expression of LBP protein in peripheral blood is significantly higher in patients with spinal tuberculosis than in the normal population; LBP assay values were significantly and positively correlated with CRP and ESR values (P < 0.01); the AUC of LBP in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis for pathological examination, bacteriological culture, T-cell spot test for tuberculosis infection (T-SPOT), imaging diagnosis, and acid fast bacillus were, respectively, 0.677 (P < 0.01), 0.707 (P < 0.01), 0.751 (P < 0.01), 0.714 (P < 0.01), and 0.656 (P < 0.05), and there was a correlation between LBP and the diagnostic evaluation of spinal tuberculosis.ConclusionLBP could be a new candidate biomarker for the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) For Detection of Spinal Tuberculosis (TB)

Background: Diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis is a major challenge. It is usually made using a blend of, laboratory , imaging investigations, clinical and none of these are 100% confirmatory. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of spinal tuberculosis (TB)&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Radiology, Lahore General Hospital, on 150 patients, with suspicion of spinal TB from January,2020 to August,2020. Patients having Backache for &gt;6 months, loss of appetite, loss of weight &gt;10% in previous one month, raised ESR &gt;15 mm/hour, and positive sputum results for AFB were included. The patients underwent full spinal MRI scan. MRI was done using 1.5 Tesla MR for diagnosis of spinal TB. The diagnosis of spinal TB was then confirmed on histopathologic reporting.&#x0D; Results:Mean age of study participants was 47.83±9.65 years. There was male predominance with 93 (62.0%) males and 57 (38.0%) female patients. The mean duration of spinal TB symptoms was 11.52±3.12 months. On accuracy of MRI, there were 83 (55.3%) true positive cases, 10 (6.67%) false positive, 08 (5.33%) false negative and 49 (32.67%) true negative. The sensitivity of MRI was 91.2%, specificity 83.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) 89.2% and negative predictive value (NPV) 86.0%.&#x0D; Conclusion: Sensitivity of MRI was 91.2% and specificity 83.1%.MRI is an ideal non-invasive imaging modality for the diagnosis of spinal TB.&#x0D; Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging, Spinal, Tuberculosis.

Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Was an Independent Factor of the Severity of Spinal Tuberculosis.

Purpose The purpose was to explore the relationship between monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and the severity of spinal tuberculosis. Methods A total of 1,000 clinical cases were collected, including 496 cases of spinal tuberculosis and 504 cases of nonspinal tuberculosis. Laboratory blood results were collected, including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), platelets (PLT), neutrophil count, percentage of neutrophils, lymphocyte count, percentage of lymphocytes, monocyte count, percentage of monocytes, MLR, platelets -to- monocyte ratio (PMR), platelets -to- lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil -to- lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelets -to- neutrophil ratio (PNR). The statistical parameters analyzed by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to construct the nomogram. The nomogram was assessed by C-index, calibration curve, ROC curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve. Results The C-index of the nomogram in the training set and external validation set was 0.801 and 0.861, respectively. Similarly, AUC was 0.801 in the former and 0.861 in the latter. The net benefit of the former nomogram ranged from 0.1 to 0.95 and 0.02 to 0.99 in the latter nomogram. Furthermore, there was a correlation between MLR and the severity of spinal tuberculosis. Conclusion MLR was an independent factor in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis and was associated with the severity of spinal tuberculosis. Additionally, MLR may be a predictor of active spinal tuberculosis.

Imaging Presentation Highly Manifested as Tuberculosis in Spinal Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Report

Although spinal tuberculosis and spinal tumors are difficult to distinguish in clinical manifestations, their respective imaging presentations are typical and specific, which makes it relatively easier to attain a correct diagnosis. Spinal tuberculosis is usually endemic in developing countries with conditions of poverty and malnutrition. Tuberculosis is also common in China, and we are experienced in diagnosing tuberculosis spondylitis. However, the diversification and the trend of tumor incidence in modern society are also increasing, which challenges our diagnosis of a spinal tumor. This article presents a case of spinal metastasis tumors whose imaging presentation is so similar to tuberculosis that we made a diagnostic error on it. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine highly supported the initial diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. However, pathological examination of the excised specimen resulted in the diagnosis of spinal hemangioendothelioma.

Загальні принципи діагностики туберкульозного спондиліту

Актуальність. Епідеміологічна ситуація щодо кістково-суглобового туберкульозу (КСТ) характеризується значною кількістю невиявлених хворих. Метою даної публікації є привернення уваги практичних лікарів до важливої проблеми діагностики туберкульозного спондиліту (ТС) і підвищення її ефективності. Матеріали та методи. В основу дослідження покладені дані протоколів обстежень та медична документація 175 хворих, які у період з 2006 по 2015 рік знаходились у відділенні кістково-суглобового туберкульозу КЗОЗ «Обласна туберкульозна лікарня № 1» Харківської обласної ради та хірургічному відділенні КЗОЗ «Обласний протитуберкульозний диспансер № 1» Харківської обласної ради з активним уперше діагностованим ТС. Усі проліковані хворі були розподілені на дві групи. До першої групи ввійшли 93 (53,1 %) хворі, у яких лікування проводилося з оперативним втручанням на уражених специфічним деструктивним процесом хребцях, до другої — 82 (46,9 %) хворі, яких лікували без оперативних втручань, тобто консервативно. Вік хворих був у межах від 17 до 75 років. Результати. При ретельному зборі анамнезу у пацієнтів, яких обстежували, вдалося визначити наявність контактів із хворими на туберкульоз, особливо з бактеріовиділеннями, у 14 хворих І групи (15,1 %) і 16 — ІІ групи (19,5 %), отримані відомості про перенесені захворювання (про туберкульоз інших локалізацій) у 8 пацієнтів І групи (8,6 %) і 10 — ІІ групи (12,2 %). Після значного загального переохолодження захворіли 3 пацієнти І групи (3,2 %) і 2 — ІІ групи (2,4 %). Травма і тяжка фізична робота передували першим ознакам ТС у 9 хворих І групи (9,7 %) і 7 — ІІ групи (8,5 %). У результаті обробки бази даних серед уперше виявлених хворих на ТС нами відібрані та проаналізовані провокуючі фактори для розвитку захворювання, що зустрічалися в обстежених хворих. Ці фактори умовно поділялися на дві групи: А — органні (клінічні), Б — соціальні. Наявність органних факторів було виявлено у 72 пацієнтів І групи (77,4 %) і 68 — ІІ групи (82,9 %). Різні комбінації цих факторів визначали один із трьох ступенів ризику — високий, середній, низький. Нозологічна діагностика ТС включала в усіх випадках оглядову рентгенографію у двох площинах, яка виконувалась на основі даних огляду хворого. Подальша діагностика поглиблювалась за задачами хірургічного лікування. Розробка ряду нових технологій променевої діагностики хребта значно поширила діагностичні можливості ТС. До традиційного рентгенологічного методу додалися контрастна мієлографія, комп’ютерна томографія, магнітно-резонансна томографія. За відсутності бактеріологічного, цитологічного та гістологічного підтверджень діагнозу останній встановлювали за всією сукупністю результатів досліджень. Використання запропонованих принципів діагностики ТС з урахуванням групи ризику дозволило значно скоротити кількість запущених та ускладнених форм цього захворювання. Якщо у 2005 р. серед хворих, які надійшли до спеціалізованих відділень КСТ із вперше діагностованим активним ТС, запущені та ускладнені форми були в 77,6 %, то у 2012 р. — у 39,2 % пацієнтів (зниження майже у 2 рази), що свідчить про високу ефективність цих методів діагностики. Діагностика ТС базувалася на зіставленні клінічних, лабораторних, бактеріологічних і рентгенологічних даних, нових методів променевої діагностики. Враховували характер розвитку захворювання, звичайно поступовий і тривалий, попередні або супутні туберкульозні ураження інших органів або систем, наявність умов, що сприяють контакту з туберкульозними хворими. Висновки. Таким чином, діагноз туберкульозу хребта порівняно легко встановити, якщо своєчасно подумати про можливість цього захворювання, здійснити первинне обстеження хворого в межах діагностичного мінімуму і, при необхідності, запросити відповідного спеціаліста для консультації.

Diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis in an Asian patient with unexplained chronic back pain.

Diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis in an Asian patient with unexplained chronic back pain.

Comparative diagnostic value of GeneXpert MTB/RIF, PCR targeting IS6110 and culture for the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis

Introduction Spinal tuberculosis is an extra-pulmonary tuberculosis infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) which affects the vertebrae. Culture test is the «gold standard» diagnostic method, but it takes a long time. PCR is a method of a shorter time than the culture test, so it can be an alternative diagnostic method for MTB. Materials and Methods This study is a cross-sectional study. The data were analyzed with diagnostic tests on patients with suspected spinal tuberculosis who performed surgery in Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung. Clinical examinations and diagnostic examinations were done in 40 patients and surgery was performed to obtain samples from the spinal cord and the infected tissue. GeneXpert, PCR targeting IS6110 and culture tests were performed. The research was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology and the Clinical Pathology Laboratory of FK UNPAD/RSHS from September 2019 to September 2020. Results GeneXpert assay compared with culture tests as the standard diagnostic method showed sensitivity of 96.67 %; specificity of 90.00 %; positive predictive value 96.67 %; and a negative predictive value of 90.00 %, with an accuracy of 95.00 %. The PCR targeting IS6110 against culture showed that the sensitivity of MTB bacterial infection was 93.33 %, the specificity was 80.00 %, the positive predictive value was 93.33 %, the negative predictive value was 80.00 %, and the accuracy was 90.00 %. Conclusion This study concluded that the GeneXpert MTB/RIF RT-PCR assay has a high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to PCR targeting IS6110 in examining tissue samples in patients with spinal TB.

Clinical, Biochemical and Radiological Factors Affecting the Prognosis of Neurological Deficit Improvement in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients at Hospitals of Sabah

The incidence of spinal tuberculosis is highest in developing nations. We aimed to analysethe clinical, biochemical, and radiological parameters in spinal tuberculosis patients withsignificant neurological impairment in relation to their functional outcome. This cross-sectional study involved 224 patients who had been presented to three hospitals in Sabah from July 2017 to June 2018, with significant neurological impairment fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis was determined by clinical and radiological factors and confirmed with histopathology, micro bacteriology, and immunoassay. Patients with significant neurology received standard treatment protocol according to the middle pathway regime, anti-tuberculosis for the first three weeks, and were subjected to surgery if there was no improvement. Age, duration of symptoms, c-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white cell count (WCC), thoracolumbar spine involvement, and presence of soft tissue collection were evaluated. Modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to assess the functional outcome. After a year, 146 patients (65.1%) had good functional outcomes and 78 patients had no significant improvement. On univariate analysis, there were no significant correlations between functional outcome and age (p&gt;0.45); duration of symptoms (p&gt;0.68); CRP (p&gt;0.76); WCC (p&gt;0.99); and presence of soft tissue collection (p&gt;0.21).. High ESR (p&lt;0.008) and thoracolumbar lesions were associated with poor functional outcomes (p&lt;0.033). Higher ESR values and thoracolumbar lesions were associated with poor prognostic factors functional outcome in spinal tuberculosis patients.

Epidemiological Insights from 1,652 Patients with Spinal Tuberculosis Managed at a Single Center: A Retrospective Review of 5-Year Data.

Study DesignRetrospective cohort.PurposeTo report the demographic characteristics, clinico-radiological presentation, laboratory findings, and outcomes of “middle-path” treatment in patients with spinal tuberculosis from a single public healthcare facility in a developing country.Overview of LiteratureTuberculosis is a global health problem that is endemic in developing countries and undergoing resurgence in developed ones. Spinal tuberculosis can cause disabling back pain, progressive deformity, and neurological involvement. However, there is a lack of large-scale epidemiological studies quantifying the size and severity of the problem of spinal tuberculosis.MethodsHospital records of spinal tuberculosis patients treated at a single center over a period of 5 years were retrospectively reviewed. A diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis was based on standard clinical, radiological, microbiological, and histopathological evidence. Patients were treated in accordance with the “middle-path” regimen; surgery was reserved for selective indications.ResultsA total of 1,652 patients were included. Their median age was 32.4 years, with 53% being male. Axial pain (98%) was the most common presenting symptom; 19% of patients had neurological deficit. Lumbar spine (37%) was the most common site of involvement, with a paradiscal pattern (82%) of involvement predominating. Multi-level involvement was seen in 19% of patients; skip lesions were noted in 2.8%. Transpedicular biopsy was performed in 667 patients; at least one tissue test was diagnostic of tuberculosis in 65% of patients. Forty-four patients had drug resistance to rifampicin. Surgery was required in 10.5% of patients. The “middle-path” regimen was associated with high compliance and significant improvements in pain (Visual Analog Scale score) and function (36-Item Short Form Health Survey).ConclusionsOur findings confirm the widespread prevalence of spinal tuberculosis and describe various epidemiological characteristics of a large sample of spinal tuberculosis patients. Adoption of the “middle-path” regimen is associated with high compliance and favorable outcomes in spinal tuberculosis.

Selection of the fusion and fixation range in the intervertebral surgery to correct thoracolumbar and lumbar tuberculosis: a retrospective clinical study

BackgroundTo compare the diseased verses the non-diseased intervertebral surgery used in the treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar spinal tuberculosis and to explore the best choice of fusion of fixation range.MethodsTwo hundred twenty-one patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar tuberculosis were categorized into two groups. One hundred eighteen patients underwent the diseased intervertebral surgery (lesion vertebral pedicle fixation, Group A) and 103 patients underwent the non-diseased intervertebral surgery (1 or 2 vertebral fixation above and below the affected vertebra, group B). Spinal tuberculosis diagnosis was confirmed in both groups of patients before lesion removal, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation. Clinical data and efficacy of the two surgical methods were then evaluated.ResultsThe mean follow-up duration for both procedures was 65 months (50–68 months range). There were no significant differences in laboratory examinations, VAS scores, and the Cobb angle correction rate and the angle loss. However, significant differences existed in the operation time, blood loss, serosanguineous drainage volume, and blood transfusion requirement between the two groups. The diseased intervertebral surgery group performed significantly better than the non-diseased intervertebral surgery group in all of these areas. In both cases, the bone graft fused completely with the normal bone by the last follow-up, occuring at 50–86 months post surgery.ConclusionThe diseased intervertebral surgery is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar tuberculosis. It effectively restores the physiological curvature of the spine and reduces the degeneration of adjacent vertebral bodies in the spinal column.

Clinical Value Analysis of CT and MRI Imaging in Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis

Clinical Value Analysis of CT and MRI Imaging in Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis

Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis in Retrovirus Negative Cases: A Case Series

Spinal Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common destructive form of extrapulmonary TB. The diagnosis of spinal TB is challenging involving combined approach of clinical diagnosis, imaging techniques, detection of acid-fast bacilli in microscopy, histopathology, and culture. This case series reports four patients of spinal TB diagnosed clinically, radiologically and microbiologically that were treated appropriately with standard anti-TB treatment according to Category I daily regimen.