Rheumatology international
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The onset of tuberculous spondylitis is insidious in nature, with various clinical presentations, slow development of radiographic abnormalities, and nonspecific constitutional symptoms. This lack of specific symptoms causes delays in diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates osteitis, intraosseous abscesses, paravertebral and epidural soft tissue extensions and abscesses, discitis, multilevel involvement of spinal cord or nerve root compression, and scoliosis. ⋯ All the patients recovered without any sequelae. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 12-48). Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the main imaging modality for patients with suspected tuberculous spondylitis; it must be included in differential diagnosis of back pain and, if it is diagnosed in early stages, antituberculous chemotherapy enables satisfactory outcome.