Computed tomography detection of clinically unsuspected skeletal tuberculosis ★

ObjectiveTo report the frequency of clinically unsuspected axial skeletal tuberculosis (STB) and findings on computed tomography (CT).Materials and methodsAn evaluation of CT chest, abdomen, and pelvis of patients with tuberculosis was done. Bone window images were evaluated for skeletal involvement.ResultsOf the 726 CT studies, 34 (4.7%) patients had skeletal involvement. Thoracic spine was the most commonly affected site with involvement of body in 58% cases. Intervertebral disc involvement, soft tissue abscess, and epidural extension were identified in 83%, 53%, and 39% of cases, respectively.ConclusionEvaluation of bone window on CT can detect axial STB.