CT and MR in the management of advanced spinal tuberculosis.

In regions where tuberculosis is endemic, CT and MR are of limited use in making the initial diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. Their optimum use is for monitoring the management of cases involving paralysis. CT best evaluates the integrity of posterior bony structures which provide spinal stability and MR best demonstrates the content and extent of the extradural mass that is causing the paralysis. Their use is illustrated by three recent cases.