# Spinal tuberculosis, pathophysiology and radiological presentation, three case reports

## TL;DR

This paper presents three cases of spinal tuberculosis to improve understanding of its causes, symptoms, and imaging features.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in providing real-life case reports from Colombia to highlight the disease's clinical and radiological aspects.

## Key findings

- Spinal tuberculosis can lead to neurological issues if not promptly diagnosed.
- Radiological signs include bone destruction, disk collapse, abscesses, and spinal deformity.
- MRI is most effective for diagnosis, while X-rays and CT scans also offer useful insights.

## Abstract

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of spinal tuberculosis are key in preventing its neurological and physical sequelae. This affection, also known as Pott's disease, should be considered a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with unexplained back pain that can lead to neurological symptoms and eventually paraplegia.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis, spreads from the lungs to the spine via venous or arterial pathways, causing lesions apparent upon imaging. Radiological findings include osseous destruction, disk collapse, abscess formation, and spinal deformity. While magnetic resonance is considered the most sensitive and specific imaging modality to establish a diagnosis, plain radiographs and computed tomography can provide useful information.

This manuscript discusses three Colombian cases of spinal tuberculosis with the goal of increasing familiarity regarding the pathophysiology, clinical and radiological manifestations, and differential diagnosis of this rare but potentially devastating disease.