Spondylitis tuberculosa der Halswirbelsäule

WHO estimates that worldwide more than 4 million people are infected with tuberculosis (TB), 95% of them living in third world countries. TB is once again the most frequent infectious disease [1, 2, 7]. Extrapulmonary forms (EPTB) frequently appear with HIV-associated TB [3, 4, 6]. We present the case of a 23-year old patient with abscess forming TB of the right apical lung with infiltration and partial osteolytical destruction of the 7th cervical- and the first thoracal vertebral body. Progressive spinal compression lead to partial sensomotorical deficits. Surgical revision of the abscess, an atypical resection of the right apical lung and right wing hemilaminectomy of Th1/2 for spinal decompression became necessary. The spinal stabilisation was achieved by conservative treatment for 6 weeks only by a Minerva cast and for another 8 weeks by a cervical stiffneck. Following mobilisation was without problems and the neurological deficits subsided within 3 months. Clinical examination and functional X-rays analysis proved vertebral stability and good function. The treatment of TB is basically conservative. Surgery is only recommended in case of functional and infectious complications.     

Modern imaging of spinal tuberculosis

Spinal tuberculosis (Pott disease) is uncommon in developed countries. On imaging studies diagnosis of this lesion may not be considered or it might be mistaken for pyogenic osteomyelitis. Features most strongly indicative of a diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis are relative sparing of the disc space, large paraspinous abscesses, a thick rim of enhancement around the paraspinous and intraosseous abscesses, calcifications within the paraspinous collections, and a fragmentary pattern of osseous destruction. As the disease progresses, there is worsening of the osseous destruction, leading to collapse of the vertebral body and eventual progression to kyphotic deformity. Based on recent experience, the authors review the major imaging characteristics associated with spinal tuberculosis and describe the typical course of the disease as documented on plain radiographs, computerized tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images.     

Epidemiology of tuberculosis in WHO European Region and public health response

Purpose

To provide an overview of the tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the WHO European Region and evolution of public health response with focus on extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and Pott’s disease.

Methods

Authors reviewed regional strategic documents related to TB. The epidemiologic data were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

In the absence of associated pulmonary TB, Pott’s disease is reported as extra-pulmonary TB (up to 47 % of all TB cases in some settings). Due to limitations of the surveillance system, the epidemiology of Pott’s disease and its treatment success are unknown. The Stop TB Strategy and Consolidated Action Plan to Prevent and Combat M/XDR-TB provide comprehensive roadmaps to address all types of TB.

Conclusions

There is a need to further analyze country data to document the extent of Pott’s disease and develop specific guidelines for timely diagnosis and treatment of Pott’s disease.

     

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in spinal tuberculosis: Comparison of HIV positive and negative patients

Background:

There is an increasing incidence of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection. This has led to an increasing number of atypical features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We postulated that the type 4 hypersensitivity response causing granulomatous inflammation may be disrupted by the HIV resulting in less vertebral body destruction. This study compares the MRI features of spinal tuberculosis in HIV positive and negative patients.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty patients with confirmed spinal tuberculosis, HIV status and available MRI scans at a single institution from 2003-2009 were identified. HIV status was positive in 20 and negative in 30. Females were predominant (34:16). The HIV positive group was younger at 32.4 versus 46 years (P=0.008). Blood parameters (WCC, ESR, Hb, Lymphocyte count) were not significantly different between the HIV groups. MRI scans were reviewed by a radiologist who was blinded to the HIV status. Site, extent of disease, body collapse, abscess location and volume, kyphotic deformity and cord signal were reported.

Results:

There was no difference between the number of vertebral bodies affection with TB involvement, presence of cord signal or incidence of non-contiguous lesions. The HIV negative group had significantly more total vertebral collapse (P=0.036) and greater kyphosis (P=0.002). The HIV positive group had a trend to larger anterior epidural pus collection (P=0.2).

Conclusion:

HIV negative patients demonstrate greater tuberculous destruction in terms of total percentage body collapse and resultant kyphosis. There is no difference in the incidence of cord signal or presence of non-contiguous lesions. HIV positive patients show a trend to a greater epidural abscess volume. This difference may be explained by the reduced autoimmune response of the type 4 hypersensitivity reaction caused by the HIV infection.     

单椎体结核

目的探讨单椎体结核的诊断及鉴别诊断特点。方法回顾分析了13例单椎体结核患者临床特点,并与96例多椎体结核及7例伴椎间盘破坏的单椎体结核患者进行对比。结果与多椎体结核相比,单椎体结核病史更短P<0.01,血沉值更低P<0.05。与伴椎间盘破坏的单椎体结核相比,单椎体结核X线硬化更多见,压缩更少见。CT及MRI显示单椎体结核椎弓正常。MRI显示结核病变在T1加权为低信号,T2加权为高信号;脓肿在T2加权为高信号,而强化后则为低信号。结论单椎体结核为脊柱结核的早期形式;脊柱结核后椎间盘是否破坏与病程有关;椎弓情况及脓肿有助于单椎体结核与恶性肿瘤的鉴别。     

Bone and joint tuberculosis

Introduction

Bone and joint tuberculosis has increased in the past two decades in relation with AIDS epidemics.

Material and methods

A literature review of bone and joint tuberculosis, focusing on Pott’s disease.

Results

Bone and joint TB comprises a group of serious infectious diseases whose incidence has increased in the past two decades, especially in underdeveloped countries, in part due to the AIDS epidemic. Tuberculous spinal infections should be suspected in patients with an insidious, progressive history of back pain and in individuals from an endemic area, especially when the thoracic vertebrae are affected and a pattern of bone destruction with relative disc preservation and paravertebral and epidural soft tissue masses are observed. Atypical tuberculous osteoarticular manifestations involving the extraspinal skeleton, a prosthetic joint, or the trochanteric area, and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections should be considered in favorable epidemiological contexts. Surgery combined with prolonged specific antituberculous chemotherapy is mainly indicated in patients with neurological manifestations or deformities, and provides satisfactory results in most cases.

Conclusions

Spinal tuberculosis is still a relative common extra spinal manifestation of spinal tuberculosis that requires a high degree of suspicion in order to avoid neurological complications and need of surgery.

     

Tuberculosis of the lower cervical spine (C5–C6) in a 24-month-old infant

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) of the cervical spine occurs rarely in younger children whereas the presentation and outcome are different from those of adult cervical spine. Because cervical spinal TB in younger children is rarely reported, the clinical characteristics, the treatments, and the expected outcome of treatments in younger children are still unknown.MethodsWe present a case of cervical spine TB in a 24-month-old boy that grounds severe vertebral destruction and an extradural abscess. This child presented with neurological deficit in the form of quadraparesis. We performed anterior cervical debridement for this patient; to our best knowledge, the child in this case is the youngest patient reported in the literature as having had cervical TB treated through anterior cervical surgery.ResultsThe neurological deficits of this patient were recovered soon, and no evidence of recurrence of the tuberculous lesion or of the deformity was revealed by the 6-year follow-up magnetic resonance imaging.ConclusionsBased on our experiences in this case and a review of the literature, we propose that for patients of cervical spine TB in early childhood, anterior excision of diseased bone without grafting should be adequate as a surgical measure.     

Spinal tuberculosis: A review

Abstract

Spinal tuberculosis is a destructive form of tuberculosis. It accounts for approximately half of all cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Spinal tuberculosis is more common in children and young adults. The incidence of spinal tuberculosis is increasing in developed nations. Genetic susceptibility to spinal tuberculosis has recently been demonstrated. Characteristically, there is destruction of the intervertebral disk space and the adjacent vertebral bodies, collapse of the spinal elements, and anterior wedging leading to kyphosis and gibbus formation. The thoracic region of vertebral column is most frequently affected. Formation of a ‘cold’ abscess around the lesion is another characteristic feature. The incidence of multi-level noncontiguous vertebral tuberculosis occurs more frequently than previously recognized. Common clinical manifestations include constitutional symptoms, back pain, spinal tenderness, paraplegia, and spinal deformities. For the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive imaging technique than x-ray and more specific than computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging frequently demonstrates involvement of the vertebral bodies on either side of the disk, disk destruction, cold abscess, vertebral collapse, and presence of vertebral column deformities. Neuroimaging-guided needle biopsy from the affected site in the center of the vertebral body is the gold standard technique for early histopathological diagnosis. Antituberculous treatment remains the cornerstone of treatment. Surgery may be required in selected cases, e.g. large abscess formation, severe kyphosis, an evolving neurological deficit, or lack of response to medical treatment. With early diagnosis and early treatment, prognosis is generally good.     

Paleopathological examination of medieval spines with exceptional thoracic kyphosis most likely secondary to spinal tuberculosis. Historical vignette

Spinal tuberculosis (TB) infrequently involves more than one to three vertebrae, and kyphotic angulation of greater than 30 degrees is rare in paleopathological specimens and clinical studies. The authors describe findings obtained in two spines (dating from the Early and Late Middle Ages). Spinal TB was present in both as well as sharply angulated kyphosis (approximately 180 degrees) resulting from complete destruction of five and seven vertebral bodies, respectively. In these two specimens obtained in individuals older than 12 years of age at the time of death we observed no involvement of the disease in posterior vertebral elements, and the laminae showed osseous fusion without signs of infection. The osseous diameter of the spinal canal was not narrowed in either case. These findings are discussed in the context of modern medical knowledge and paleopathological and genetic examinations.     

后路脊柱固定联合双侧经腹膜外病灶清除术治疗腰骶椎结核

目的探讨后路脊柱固定联合双侧经腹膜外病灶清除术治疗腰骶椎结核的临床疗效。方法2000年3月-2005年2月，采用后路脊柱固定、双侧经腹膜外病灶清除术治疗16例椎体结核患者。男11例，女5例；年龄21～56岁。结核部位：L3 4例，L4 6例，L5 4例，S1 2例。其中累及3个椎体1例，跳跃病变1例。病程6个月～6年，平均13个月。16例血沉平均40mm／h；14例WBC正常，2例稍高。X线片检查示5例椎间隙破坏变窄，7例出现病椎压缩，1例相邻2个椎体破坏严重，残余骨质嵌插重叠；16例均可见双侧腰大肌脓肿。16例CT扫描可见椎体骨质破坏、脓肿形成及数量不等的死骨。11例MRI显示椎体破坏、脓肿形成并流注到腰大肌内。患者术后进行常规抗痨治疗。结果1例术后1个月切口裂开，经对症处理后愈合；余患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合。患者获随访2～5年，平均29个月。术后即出现双大腿麻木3例，足背伸无力1例，大小便失禁1例，未作特殊处理，2周后均恢复正常；1例出现腹股沟斜疝，未作处理：6例出现视物模糊、眼睛干涩等：2例出现听力障碍，调整用药后恢复；1例再次出现低热、腰痛，卧床3个月并调整延长应用抗痨药物后痊愈。余患者均无复发。血沉均恢复正常，随访末期X线片示腰椎、腰骶椎获骨性融合13例，后凸畸形1例，椎体间形成骨桥2例。结论一次手术完成后路脊柱固定、双侧经腹膜外病灶清除术治疗腰骶椎结核有较高的安全性、可行性，可减少手术次数、缩短治疗周期、降低治疗费用、提高治疗效果。     

构建新西兰兔脊柱结核模型的对比研究

 目的 探讨构建新西兰兔脊柱结核模型的实验方法,并评价此种方法的可行性。方法 62只新西兰兔随机分为致敏造模组（经弗氏完全佐剂致敏后造模）20只、未致敏造模组（造模前未经弗氏完全佐剂致敏）20只、对照组20只、空白组2只。致敏造模组兔经弗氏完全佐剂致敏后,于L4上终板下方钻孔,填入明胶海绵,在其中浸注种植H37Rv人型标准结核杆菌混悬液0.1 ml;未致敏造模组未经弗氏完全佐剂致敏,浸注H37Rv人型标准结核杆菌混悬液0.1ml;对照组浸注液体培养基与生理盐水混悬液0.1 ml;空白组不做任何处理。结果 术后8周兔存活率致敏造模组为89.5%、未致敏造模组60.0%,对照组94.7%、空白组100%;致敏造模组成活兔造模全部成功。致敏造模组造模椎体破坏情况：术后4周X线片为50%、重建CT和MRI均为 83.3%;术后8周X线片为58.8%、CT重建和MRI均为100%。术后8周,肉眼观察全部成活兔造模椎体均出现骨破坏、肉芽及坏死组织形成,腰大肌脓肿发生率为17.6%;组织病理学显示造模椎体均有大量淋巴细胞和类上皮样细胞、骨小梁断裂、凝固性坏死物质;细菌培养阳性率为52.9％。未致敏造模组术后8周有75%成活兔造模椎体出现骨破坏,腰大肌脓肿发生率为100%。对照组与空白组无上述改变。结论 经弗氏完全佐剂致敏后,在新西兰兔腰椎椎体的上终板下钻孔、明胶海绵填塞、种植H37Rv结核杆菌标准菌株的方法,可成功构建兔脊柱结核模型。     

Imaging presentation highly manifested as tuberculosis in a case of spinal metastatic carcinoma

Usually the clinical manifestations between spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease) and metastasis are not characteristic. Nevertheless, their respective imaging presentations are typical and specific, which makes it relatively easier to attain a correct diagnosis. Imaging features of Pott's disease, in general, include narrowing of intervertebral disk space, collapse of vertebral bodies with eventual progression to kyphotic deformity, destruction of the anterior parts of adjacent vertebrae, formation of a large paravertebral abscess, and calcifications or sequestra within the paravertebral abscess. Spinal tuberculosis is usually endemic, especially in Eastern countries. However, the trend of cancer incidence is also increasing in modern society, which makes it difficult to diagnose spinal osseous lesions. This article presents a case of a 45-year-old man with a 9-month history of low back pain. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine supported the initial diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. However, pathological examination on the excised specimen resulted in the diagnosis of spinal metastatic adenocarcinoma. We suggest that a definitive diagnosis of spinal metastasis or tuberculosis should not be based on imaging alone. Instead, more attention should be paid to atypical imaging presentations. In addition, biopsy is usually necessary for final diagnosis.     

脊柱结核的早期诊断和治疗

目的探讨脊柱结核早期的临床表现和影像学特点。方法对19例脊柱结核患者行X线、CT和MRI检查，同时行PPD试验、血沉、胸片、胸部CT和ECT等检查。明确诊断后再进行正规抗结核治疗。结果脊柱结核早期患者全身结核毒性症状并不典型，患者均表现为不同程度的局部疼痛，其中8例患者曾被误诊。CT检查能清晰地显示椎体内较小的溶骨性、虫蚀状改变等骨质破坏灶及其内毛玻璃状高密度的死骨（19例），周围可伴有骨增生硬化带（10例），可伴有椎前软组织肿胀。MRI发现椎体骨炎（19例）及终板破坏，以及骨内小脓肿。早期椎间盘信号正常或高信号为主、椎间隙正常。结论脊柱结核早期患者常表现为局部疼痛，可不伴有典型的结核中毒症状。CT能显示早期微小的脊柱结核病变如骨质破坏、死骨等现象；MRI能清楚显示椎体骨炎、终板和（或）椎间盘的破坏和椎体内小灶骨脓肿。结合CT和MRI两者优点，可较早诊断脊柱结核；从而指导临床尽早进行抗结核治疗，避免漏诊、延迟诊断或误诊带来的不良后果，具有较大临床意义。     

脊柱结核的MRI表现

目的：探讨MRI对脊柱结核的诊断价值。方法：回顾分析98例经手术病理证实的脊柱结核患者的脊柱MRI征象，观察椎体、终板、椎间盘及椎管等变化，并与X线平片及CT片进行比较。结果：椎体结核早期．MRI上可见椎体形态正常，椎体前中部骨质破坏，呈片状长T1、长T2信号影，边界不清；椎体终板局限性破坏．椎间盘信号不均匀，可见囊状小脓肿形成；椎旁软组织肿胀或少量脓肿形成。MRI对椎体破坏、椎间盘受累、椎旁脓肿及椎管受累的诊断优于X线平片及CT（P〈0．05）。结论：MRI对病变椎体病理改变具有高敏感性，使脊柱结核的早期诊断成为可能。MRI可清晰最示脊柱结核的椎体骨炎、椎旁脓肿、终板破坏及受累椎管狭窄程度．并有助于与椎体肿瘤的鉴别。     

Tuberculosis of the spine (Pott's disease) presenting as 'compression fractures'

STUDY DESIGN: Case reports and survey of literature. OBJECTIVE: Case reports of two women with tuberculosis (TB) of the spine (Pott's disease) presenting with severe back pain and diagnosed as compression fracture are described. Physicians should include Pott's disease in the differential diagnosis when patients present with severe back pain and evidence of vertebral collapse. SETTING: Ohio, USA METHODS: A review of the literature on the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis of spinal TB was conducted. RESULTS: After initial delay, proper diagnosis of spinal TB was made in our patients. Microbiologic diagnosis confirmed M. tuberculosis, and appropriate medical treatment was initiated. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, spinal TB still occurs in patients from developed countries, such as the US and Europe. Back pain is an important symptom. Vertebral collapse from TB may be misinterpreted as 'compression fractures' especially in elderly women. Magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) is an excellent procedure for the diagnosis of TB spine. However, microbiologic diagnosis is essential. Mycobacterium tuberculosis may be cultured from other sites. Otherwise, biopsy of the spine lesion should be done for pathologic diagnosis, culture and stain for M. tuberculosis. Clinicians should consider Pott's disease in the differential diagnosis of patients with back pain and destructive vertebral lesions. Proper diagnosis and anti-tuberculosis treatment with or without surgery will result in cure.     

Spinal tuberculosis: a review

Spinal tuberculosis is a destructive form of tuberculosis. It accounts for approximately half of all cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Spinal tuberculosis is more common in children and young adults. The incidence of spinal tuberculosis is increasing in developed nations. Genetic susceptibility to spinal tuberculosis has recently been demonstrated. Characteristically, there is destruction of the intervertebral disk space and the adjacent vertebral bodies, collapse of the spinal elements, and anterior wedging leading to kyphosis and gibbus formation. The thoracic region of vertebral column is most frequently affected. Formation of a 'cold' abscess around the lesion is another characteristic feature. The incidence of multi-level noncontiguous vertebral tuberculosis occurs more frequently than previously recognized. Common clinical manifestations include constitutional symptoms, back pain, spinal tenderness, paraplegia, and spinal deformities. For the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive imaging technique than x-ray and more specific than computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging frequently demonstrates involvement of the vertebral bodies on either side of the disk, disk destruction, cold abscess, vertebral collapse, and presence of vertebral column deformities. Neuroimaging-guided needle biopsy from the affected site in the center of the vertebral body is the gold standard technique for early histopathological diagnosis. Antituberculous treatment remains the cornerstone of treatment. Surgery may be required in selected cases, e.g. large abscess formation, severe kyphosis, an evolving neurological deficit, or lack of response to medical treatment. With early diagnosis and early treatment, prognosis is generally good.     

螺旋CT对脊椎结核的诊断价值

目的分析总结脊柱结核的CT影像表现。方法分析经手术病理、穿刺活检及临床证实的脊柱结核31例的多层螺旋CT表现。结果椎骨的溶骨性、虫蚀样、斑片状碎骨片样的骨质破坏部分伴有硬化,椎旁软组织中见砂粒状钙化寒性脓肿的形成,椎间隙变窄,累及椎管,韧带下型等是脊柱结核的常见影像学表现。结论脊柱结核CT诊断优于X平片,可直观显示椎旁脓肿及椎间盘等改变。脊椎骨质破坏形态多样,但仍有其典型CT影像特征,须与脊柱其他病变鉴别诊断。     

Complete recovery of acute paraplegia due to pyogenic thoracic spondylodiscitis with an epidural abscess

Summary Pyogenic spondylodiscitis associated with epidural abscess is a rare but serious problem in spinal surgery, because it may cause a severe morbidity or mortality, if the diagnosis is established late and the treatment is inadequate. A case of pyogenic thoracic spondylodiscitis associated with epidural abscess whose symptoms progressed over two months from back pain to acute paraplegia was presented. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine suggested the presence of T9–10 spondylodiscitis with partial destruction of the T9 and T10 vertebral bodies and concomitant epidural abscess. Treatment consisting of surgical debridement of infected vertebrae and disc material, fusion and anterior spinal instrumentation was performed. Microbiological culture of the material revealed infection with Staphylococcus aureus and after 3 months of antibiotic treatment, recovery was almost complete. Based on a thorough review of the literature and the case presented in this report, it is concluded that accurate and prompt diagnosis requires high index of suspicion followed by a combination of adequate surgical and conservative treatment prevents severe morbidity in cases of nonspecific pyogenic spondylodiscitis associated with epidural abscess. Correspondence: Dr. Mehmet Turgut, Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Cumhuriyet Caddesi, No: 6 Daire: 7, TR-09020 Aydın, Turkey.     

Clinical and radiological outcomes after conservative treatment of TB spondylitis: is the 15 years’ follow-up in the MRC study long enough?

Introduction

Tuberculosis of the spine is a still a common disease entity, not only in developing countries but is also returning in developed countries especially in the immune-compromised patients. Conservative treatment with chemotherapy is still the main stay of treatment. This article focuses on the clinical and radiological outcomes, and problems with conservative treatment.

Method

The available literature of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy in managing spinal tuberculosis was reviewed. Data sources included relevant literature of the English language identified through Medline search from 1946 to 2011. Personal experience and unpublished reviews from the authors’ institution were also included.

Results

Although majority of patients respond well to anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, about 15 % of them develop paradoxical response. The Medical Research Council (MRC) studies have shown that for patients without significant neurological deficits, operative and conservative treatment could produce the same clinical outcome at 15 years follow-up. Patients treated operatively with debridement and spinal fusion with strut graft had faster bony fusion and less kyphotic deformity. In contrast, those treated with drugs alone or with simple debridement without fusion may result in disease reactivation, severe kyphosis or late instability, which in turn may lead to late-onset Pott’s paraplegia, back pain, sagittal imbalance and compromised pulmonary function that are difficult or risky to treat.

Conclusion

Recognition of the clinical and radiologic features of these late sequels is important for the management. Prevention of deformity in the early disease has been added to the modern standard of treatment of TB spine.

     

Isolated subacute tuberculous spinal epidural abscess of the cervical spine: a brief report of a special case

A tuberculous spinal epidural abscess is seen rarely as a late complication of Pott’s disease or in immunocompromised patients. Such abscesses in isolation are rare indeed and very uncommon in the developed and developing world. We report a patient with an isolated subacute tuberculous spinal epidural abscess without disc or vertebral involvement and no primary focus or risk factors associated with the development of spinal tuberculosis.