Monitoring Treatment Response in Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis: A Case Report Emphasizing the Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Elif Çiğdem KARATAYLI, Ömer ATA, Rasime Pelin KAVAK
Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Case Reports · 2026-01
Abstract
Tuberculous spondylodiscitis refers to a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection affecting vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs. It is the most common form of skeletal tuberculosis. Clinical findings are often subtle, and microbiological diagnosis may be delayed, making imaging essential. Here, we present a 56-year-old woman with back pain and night sweats. Imaging revealed a paravertebral abscess and vertebral destruction, leading to a diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. She received anti-tubercular therapy and was monitored with serial magnetic resonance imaging, which demonstrated progressive improvement. Although routine imaging follow-up is debated, our case illustrates that magnetic resonance imaging can complement clinical evaluation and aid in monitoring treatment response in selected patients.
MeSH terms
- Spondylodiscitis
- Medicine
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Radiology
- Tuberculosis
- Vertebral osteomyelitis
- Spondylitis
- Abscess
- Discitis
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Back pain
- Differential diagnosis