COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE ROLE OF MRI IN SPINAL TUBERCULOSIS

Objective: The aim of our research was to conduct the evaluation of the role of MRI in judging the magnitude of disease in TB-spine. Methodology: The design of research was descriptive which we carried out at the Lahore General Hospital. The duration of the research was from July-2016 to Dec-2017, which included a total of 60 patients of tuberculosis further divided into two groups of 55% male (33) and 45% female (27). Their ages were ranging from fourteen to thirty-six years, while the mean was thirty-three years. We used a proforma, which was pre-designed in order to note down the patients' detailed data and clinical features. We included the TB-spine patients in this research; whereas, removed those from consideration who were having non-tuberculous spondylitis. Results: Out of the total, 63% (38 cases) had backache symptoms. Sixteen cases (26.6%) had spinal cord compression, 45% had the symptoms of thoracolumbar spine, whereas rare diffuse involvement was there and those who were involved in more than one level were only 5% (three cases). Mode of primary imaging was plain radiography. MRI Scan was most useful while carrying-out the investigation. The reports gathered through MRI Scan showed the paraspinal abscess in 40% (24 cases), narrowed intervertebral disc space in 95% cases, complete destruction of body in 20% (12 cases), wedge collapse of body in 30% (18 cases), card compression in 26.6% (16 cases); whereas, calcification in 30% (18 cases). Conclusion: The most important equipment for investigation of spinal tuberculosis in patients is MRI. It is also a useful surgical treatment guide as it provides the details of the disease including its extent. Monitoring of the feedback to the treatment also becomes very easy using MRI Scans.