Frequency of Spinal Tuberculosis in Patients with Complaint of Backache on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Background: MRI is an effective method for evaluating patients presenting with spinal TB. It is non-ionizing and non-invasive; has a high sensitivity, and therefore it can also be useful in the follow-up of patients with spinal TB.

Objective: To determine the frequency of spinal Tuberculosis in patients complaining of back pain and a history of weight loss on MRI in the Radiology Department of Nishtar Medical University Multan.

Methodology: Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Radiology Department of Nishtar Medical University Multan. Duration: From June to December 2023. All male and female patients having radiating back pain and a history of weight loss were included in this study. They were referred for MRI study by senior neurologists and from Neurology, Orthopedics ward, and OPD. A total of 102 patients were selected for this study, informed verbal consent was taken and MRI reports were interpreted by Consultant Radiologist. All data was recorded on a predesigned proforma which included questions about age, history like previous pulmonary TB, GIT infection, or any spinal deformity.

Results: Out of 102 patients, only five (4.9%) were having spinal TB. The mean age of patients was 43.93±14.63 years. Out of 102 patients, only 17 (16.7%) patients were having a history of pulmonary TB. This table shows that out of 102 patients, 10 (9.8%) patients were having paravertebral abscess formation. This study shows that out of 102 patients complaining of backache, diagnosed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging only 22 (21.6%) patients had spinal deformity.

Conclusion: This study found that a notable proportion of patients complaining of back pain and weight loss, have TB as diagnosed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging