Imaging of extraspinal musculoskeletal tuberculosis

AI De Backer, KJ Mortele, FM Vanhoenacker, PM Parizel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major cause of significant morbidity and mortality despite universal availability of effective chemotherapy. The emergence of multidrug-resistant mycobacteria along with a worldwide increase in HIV infection has led to a recent surge in the number of patients with TB. TB involves both pulmonary and extrapulmonary sites. Tuberculous spondylitis is the most common form of musculoskeletal TB and accounts for approximately 50% of cases. Extraspinal musculoskeletal TB is among the least common manifestations of TB. It shows a predilection for joints and para-articular areas while isolated soft tissue TB occurs extremely rare. A non-specific, often indolent clinical presentation in conjunction with its low prevalence constitutes obstacles for diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of extraspinal musculoskeletal TB consists of degenerative processes, inflammatory and infectious conditions, primary neoplasms, and metastatic lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance to prevent serious joint and bone destruction. Radiological assessment of patients with musculoskeletal TB is often the key to adequate diagnosis and early treatment. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the imaging features of extraspinal musculoskeletal TB and to focus on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of this pathology. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)119-130
Number of pages12
JournalEuropean Journal of Radiology
Volume57
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2006
Externally publishedYes

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