Computed tomography of musculoskeletal tuberculosis.

The usefulness of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of musculoskeletal tuberculosis was assessed in 10 patients. In six tuberculosis affected the dorsal spine, in two the chest wall, in one the sacrum and sacroiliac joint, and in one the greater trochanter. At all sites the CT findings were qualitatively similar: specifically, destructive osseous changes associated with adjacent soft-tissue masses showing a characteristic rim enhancement. Soft-tissue calcification was present in 8 of the 10. In all patients, CT demonstrated more extensive involvement than could be seen on plain radiographs. In five patients, CT first suggested the diagnosis. We conclude that CT is helpful in the evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal tuberculosis.