Thoracic Computed Tomographic Abnormalities in Patients with Spinal Tuberculosis: A Prospective Evaluation

BackgroundSpinal tuberculosis is the most common osteoarticular tuberculosis. Many published isolated reports indicated that many patients with spinal tuberculosis have lung abnormalities. In this study, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the prevalence and spectrum of lung abnormalities. MethodsWe enrolled consecutive newly diagnosed patients with spinal tuberculosis. They were subjected to spinal magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) of the chest. They were followed for 6 months. The outcome was assessed by using the modified Rankin scale. ResultsOut of 66 patients, 22 (33.3%) patients had CT thorax abnormalities. The most frequent finding was lung fibrosis (13 patients). Six patients had consolidation. Miliary tuberculosis was demonstrated in one patient. Cavitation, atelectasis, emphysema, and traction bronchiectasis were noted in one patient each. Nine patients had pleural effusion. Pleural thickening and empyema were noted in two patients each. Empyema was noted in 2 patients. Hydropneumothorax was seen in one patient. One patient had endobronchial tuberculosis. Hilar and Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was noted in 6 patients. At inclusion, 59 (89.4%) patients had modified Rankin scale scores[&ge;]3. After 6 months, 58 (87.9%) patients showed improvement and achieved a score <3. In 4 patients, spinal surgery was needed. The remaining three patients disability statuses remained unaltered. CT chest abnormalities were not associated with improvement in disability. ConclusionOne-third of patients with spinal tuberculosis had tuberculous CT thorax abnormalities. The most frequent CT thorax finding was lung fibrosis. CT abnormalities did not affect the outcome.