Which is the most reliable investigation in diagnosing a case of Spinal TB?: (A) X ray, (B) CT guided biopsy, (C) MRI, (D) Mantouxtest
Answer is C. MRI is the imaging technique of choice in diagnosing spinal TBespecially in detecting spinal cord compression or cauda equina. Spinal TB: Spine is involved in 40% cases of skeletal TB. In children the most common site of skeletal TB is upper thoracic spine and in adults lower thoracic and upper lumbar veebrae are frequently affected. Ref: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18th Edition chapter 165.