Spinal tuberculosis: a review

Remote limb ischemic preconditioning alleviated spinal cord injury through inhibiting proinflammatory immune response and promoting the survival of spinal neurons

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental animal study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the protective effect of remote limb ischemia preconditioning (RLPreC) on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and explore the underlying biological mechanisms using RNA sequencing.

SETTING

China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing; China.

METHODS

spinal cord injury was induced in mice using a force of 0.7 N. RLPreC treatment was administered. Motor function, pain behavior, and gene expression were assessed.

RESULTS

RLPreC treatment significantly improved motor function and reduced pain-like behavior in SCI mice. RNA-Seq analysis identified 5247 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO analysis revealed enrichment of immune response, inflammatory signaling, and synaptic transmission pathways among these DEGs. KEGG analysis indicated suppression of inflammation and promotion of synapse-related pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

RLPreC is a promising therapeutic strategy for improving motor function and alleviating pain after traumatic SCI. RNA-Seq analysis provides insights into potential therapeutic targets and warrants further investigation.

Imaging of musculoskeletal tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) represents a major public health problem worldwide. Any tissue may be infected. Involvement of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system account for 1-3% of all tuberculous infections. MSK TB may manifest as tuberculous spondylitis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and soft tissue infections. Although TB spondylitis may present with distinctive imaging features compared to pyogenic infections of the spine, the imaging semiology of extra-spinal TB infections is mostly nonspecific and may mimic other lesions. TB infections should therefore always be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this article is to review the imaging features of spinal and extra-spinal MSK TB. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the modality of choice to make the diagnosis and to evaluate the extent of the disease.

Evaluating laminar and lateral mass screw techniques in cervical injury management: A case series

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

The cervical spine is a dynamic structure that protects adjacent nervous innervation and maintains the range of motion (ROM) of the head and neck. Fractures in this area can lead to high mortality and morbidity, with bone fractures accounting for 56 % of cervical spinal cord injuries. This case series presents a series of cervical pathologies treated with posterior decompression and stabilization using laminar and lateral mass screw fixation.

METHODS

This research is a case series of four patients treated with laminar and lateral mass screw technique. All patients received a surgical procedure, including posterior compression and stabilization, which included the use of a laminar and lateral mass screw. We followed the patient for 12 months. During follow up, outcome measures consisting of VAS, range of motion, neurological status, ODI Score, SF-12 Score and any complications related to the surgical procedure was recorded and calculated every 3 months.

OUTCOMES

This series examines four distinct cases. The initial case pertained to a female patient, aged 72, who exhibited tetraparesis resulting from a burst fracture occurring in the C3-C5 vertebrae. The underlying etiology of this pathology is considered to be mineral bone disease associated with thyroid hormone imbalance due to thyroid cancer. The second instance was a 14-year-old child experiencing neck pain due to spondylitis tuberculosis in the C1-C2 region, accompanied by a retropharyngeal abscess and occipitocervical dissociation (OCD) with basilar invagination. The third example pertained to a patient who is 9 years old and presented with weakness in all extremities due to C1 fracture-dislocation. The fourth case was a 14-year-old patient who experienced a fall from a bunk bed. This patient was diagnosed with Traumatic Atlantoaxial dislocation with odontoid fracture Type II. All patients showed improved cervical curvature and range of motion with the advantages of reduction of intraoperative haemorrhage, as well as a decrease in postoperative rehabilitation duration. Overall, the data shows a general trend of improvement in VAS and ODI scores over time, with SF-12 scores stabilizing or slightly decreasing by 12 months post-operation.

CONCLUSION

The use of a lateral mass screw for subaxial cervical injuries can be employed to manage cervical spine pathologies like fractures and infections, including spondylitis TB. However, more research is required to evaluate the long-term complications and success rates of this technique.

Disparities in the Clinical Profile of Spinal Tuberculosis in Africa: A Scoping Review of Management and Outcome

BACKGROUND

Spinal tuberculosis (STB) is a significant contributor to nontraumatic myelopathy. There is a rising burden in Africa, in parallel with the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus. We conducted a scoping review to highlight the disparities in the management and outcomes of STB in Africa.

METHODS

This study was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping review guidelines. AJOL, Embase, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched to identify all relevant peer-reviewed articles published on the management of STB in African centers, excluding abstract-only articles, literature reviews, and meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Sixty studies were eligible for inclusion, comprising data from 3416 patients aged 8 months to 89 years (median, 32 years). Thoracic and lumbar segments were the most commonly affected vertebral regions (thoracic = 42.7%; lumbar = 35.9%). The most common clinical features were back pain and neurological deficits. Lack of essential laboratory and imaging diagnostic infrastructure was a common problem. Patients received antitubercular therapy (ATT) for varying durations, and only 18.3% underwent surgery. A favorable outcome was achieved in 51.6% of patients, 20.3% developed a permanent disability, and the mortality rate was 2.1%. Treatment outcome was adversely affected by a high rate of late presentation and treatment default.

CONCLUSIONS

ATT remains the mainstay of treatment; however, the duration of treatment varied widely among studies. Further research is required to explore the feasibility and efficacy of short-course ATT in treating STB in the African population.

Free Vascularized Osseous Fibula Flap for Vertebral Body Defect in a Patient with Tuberculosis Spondylitis

In the context of tuberculous spondylitis, a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis causing significant discomfort and neurological deficits, surgery becomes imperative to alleviate symptoms alongside antituberculosis treatment. However, the utilization of free vascularized fibula flaps for repairing vertebral deformities remains uncommon. This report presents the case of a 21-year-old man with limb weakness and sensory disturbances who was referred to our hospital, where contrast magnetic resonance imaging revealed a paravertebral abscess spanning several thoracic vertebrae. Collaborating with neurosurgeons, we performed decompression laminectomy, pedicle screw fixation, thoracic vertebrectomy, and restoration of the corporal defect using a free fibula flap. Utilizing a 2.5-cm fibula segment from the patient's left leg without a skin paddle, the surgery demonstrated a pedicle length of 12 cm and a total ischemic time of 183 minutes. The fibula was press-fitted, with recipient vessels identified as 1-mm artery and vein from the intercostal artery perforator. Postsurgery, flap vitality was assessed using Doppler ultrasound, showing positive signals immediately and at 1-month follow-up, with the patient experiencing reduced pain and improved leg strength. Despite its rarity, free fibula flap reconstruction for spinal defects proves effective, safe, and beneficial, necessitating thorough preoperative planning and interdisciplinary collaboration for successful outcomes, marking this case as the first reported instance in Indonesia.

Therapeutic Potential of Resveratrol and Lignans in the Management of Tuberculosis

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of herbal remedies, specifically resveratrol and lignans, as alternative treatments for tuberculosis (TB), given the challenges posed by drug-resistant strains and adverse effects of conventional therapies. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to analyze the mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and efficacy of resveratrol and lignans in the context of TB management. This review focused on the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of these compounds, examining their interaction with Mycobacterium tuberculosis within macrophages. Resveratrol and lignans were found to exhibit significant antibacterial properties through mechanisms such as SIRT1 modulation, coenzyme A transferase inhibition, suppression of intracellular bacterial proliferation in macrophages, and induction of autophagy. These mechanisms contribute to their effectiveness in combating TB and highlight their potential as alternative therapeutic agents.

Decoding the hidden realm: Molecular pioneering unravelling osteoarticular tuberculosis diagnosis

Osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB), a form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, refers to the involvement of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) in the bones and joints. While pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common form, osteoarticular TB represents a relatively rare but significant manifestation, accounting for approximately 1-3% of all TB cases. Accurate and timely diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the management of osteoarticular TB. Conventional diagnostic methods for osteoarticular TB, such as acid-fast bacilli smear microscopy and culture, have limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively evaluate and synthesize the existing literature on molecular pioneering in osteoarticular TB diagnosis. Molecular techniques, such as nucleic acid amplification tests and gene-based assays, have emerged as promising tools for diagnosing TB. These techniques target specific genetic sequences of M.tb, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of the pathogen. However, the diagnostic accuracy, advantages, and limitations of these molecular techniques in the context of osteoarticular TB diagnosis require further investigation and consolidation of evidence. Furthermore, this review aims to identify areas for future research and development in the field of molecular diagnostics for osteoarticular TB.

Association between nutritional scores and multilevel vertebral involvement in tubercular spine: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of nutritional scores comprising the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), in prediction of multilevel vertebral involvement (> 2 vertebra) in Spinal Tuberculosis (STB).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 39 STB patients was conducted to assess nutritional indices (CONUT and PNI) and the numbers of vertebral affection. Spearman's correlation was used to examine the association between these variables. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to determine optimal cutoff values, with Area Under the Curve (AUROC) evaluation. Additionally, multiple logistic regression was performed as a predictive model.

RESULTS

There were 24 males and 15 females, with a mean BMI of 18.88 kg/m² (± 1.37). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between BMI, PNI (rho - 0.68, p < 0.001) and multilevel vertebra involvement, while ESR (rho 0.83, p < 0.001), CRP (rho 0.81, p < 0.001), and CONUT score (rho 0.83, p < 0.001) positively correlated with multilevel vertebral affection (> 2 vertebra). Age and comorbidities showed no correlation with the level of vertebral affection. ROC analysis revealed a CONUT Score ≥ 3 cutoff (sensitivity-95.7%, specificity-87.5%) and PNI ≤ 38.605 (sensitivity-78.3%, specificity-93.8%) for predicting multilevel STB (> 2). PNI exhibited superior specificity and positive predictive value where as CONUT score was a better parameter for sensitivity, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy. Both CONUT score and PNI were significant predictors of vertebral involvement in univariate analysis, with multivariate analysis identifying CONUT score as the sole predictor of multilevel vertebral affection.

CONCLUSION

Nutritional scores, including CONUT score and PNI, emerged as significant predictors of multilevel STB. CONUT score displayed superior sensitivity, negative predictive value, and overall diagnostic accuracy, while PNI served as a nutritional marker with high specificity and positive predictive value in predicting multilevel involvement in spinal tuberculosis.

Challenges and outcomes of upper cervical spinal tuberculosis surgery in pandemic-Case series study

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. Conversely, the incidence of spinal tuberculosis (TB) was limited to a mere 6 % of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Upper cervical spinal TB is an exceptionally uncommon condition, with an incidence rate of approximately 0.3-1 % among all cases of spinal tuberculosis.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Three patients diagnosed with upper cervical spinal tuberculosis who underwent Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Fusion (ACCF) or Occipitocervical fusion surgery were reviewed retrospectively. The data was obtained during the pandemic period in Indonesia. The patients were evaluated using pre-operative and post-operative Cobb's angles, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Frankel scale, and Neck Pain and Disability (NPAD) scale.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The ACCF surgery was more favourable when the compression was extended to the vertebral body; it showed good clinical and radiological outcomes. Multilevel ACCF and pathologies affecting bone quality seemed to be risk factors for material subsidence and instability. In this case, all the patients had performed ACCF surgery. The mean Cobb's angle pre-operative was 15.30, and Cobb's angle post-operative was 6.50. The mean pre-operative VAS value was 6.3, and the post-operative VAS value was 3. Compared to the post-operative scale, the pre-operative Frankel scale experienced an average increase of 2 levels. In contrast, the mean value of good post-operative NPAD is 29.3.

CONCLUSION

Operative procedures on upper cervical spinal tuberculosis cases can improve patient's quality of life significantly, clinically and radiologically.

Disseminated Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent Individual Without Pulmonary Involvement: A Case Report

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health burden, particularly in developing countries like India. While the most common presentation is pulmonary TB, extrapulmonary TB involving other body systems can also occur, posing diagnostic challenges. We present the case of a 24-year-old immunocompetent man from India who exhibited an uncommon and complex presentation of disseminated extrapulmonary TB. The patient had an asymptomatic brain cavitated lesion, likely tuberculoma, cervical lymphadenopathy, a small subcutaneous collection in the neck, a destructive lytic lesion in the sacrum, and a subcutaneous collection in the left gluteal/paraspinal region, all in the absence of pulmonary involvement. This combination of manifestations has not been previously reported. The presence of cervical lymphadenopathy and a slowly growing subcutaneous abscess were important clues that guided the diagnostic workup. Maintaining a high index of suspicion for TB, even in atypical presentations and immunocompetent individuals, is crucial, particularly in high-TB-burden regions. This case highlights the importance of considering disseminated extrapulmonary TB in the differential diagnosis, even in the absence of pulmonary involvement and typical risk factors. A high index of suspicion, a multidisciplinary approach, and a comprehensive diagnostic workup are essential for the timely recognition and management of these challenging conditions.

Isolated neural arch tuberculosis with tuberculomas: case report

We reported a case of atypical spinal tuberculosis on the posterior elements of lumbar spine in a 52-year-old female. It was easy to be misdiagnosed as spinal tumor due to its imaging characteristics. We performed puncture biopsy to initially consider tuberculosis, and then the patient was accepted surgical treatment. The intraoperative removed specimen was sent to pathological examination, microbial culture, Xpert MTB/RIF and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and then the diagnosis of neural arch tuberculosis was confirmed. After operation, the patient obtained stable effect by anti-tuberculosis drug treatment. In a word, the uncommon case had an important reference significance for the diagnosis of atypical spine tuberculosis and differentiation from spinal tumors. It is critical to make right preliminary diagnosis by appropriate examination as it determined the next diagnosis and treatment in special and rare clinical cases.

Multifocal Skeletal Tuberculosis - A Case Report

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pervasive infectious disease, and extrapulmonary manifestations account for a significant proportion of cases. Skeletal involvement is observed in about 10% of extrapulmonary TB instances. While spinal TB is relatively common, sacroiliac (SI) joint TB is a rare occurrence, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.

Case Report

This case report discusses an unusual presentation in a 19-year-old immunocompetent lady where the spine, acetabulum, and SI joint were concurrently affected. The patient, initially undergoing alternative medicine, exhibited severe pain, weight loss, and restricted mobility. Radiological evaluations, including X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed extensive vertebral and pelvic destruction with abscess formation. Surgical debridement and stabilization, alongside antitubercular treatment, led to significant improvement.

Conclusion

This case emphasizes the challenges in diagnosing multifocal skeletal TB, highlights the importance of early intervention, and underscores the impact of alternative medicine on treatment delays. A multidisciplinary approach involving histopathological and microbiological examinations is crucial for optimal management.

Sociodemographic patterns of spinal tuberculosis patients from a tertiary care teaching hospital: A 5-year cross-sectional study

Background

The distribution of spinal tuberculosis (STB) differs due to variations in lifestyles, socio-economic conditions, geographical locations, available medical services, and other factors. In the literature, very few studies have been done on demographic profile and morphological distribution of tuberculosis (TB) spine. We conducted this study to identify the disease distribution and various parameters affecting the disease in our area which caters to populations from both plains and hills.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using 5-year retrospective data retrieved from medical records, Department of Orthopaedics of a tertiary care teaching hospital, from April 2015 to October 2020. The patient distribution was studied according to the different variables.

Results

A total of 286 patients were enrolled in the study. Females amounted to 54.96% (n = 159) of the total and 46.1% (n = 127) were males. The mean age of the demographic group was 36.9 years (2.5-80 years) (±SD = 17.63). The majority (46.5%) of the patients were young adults in the age group (21-40 years). The majority of deficits were seen in the dorsal spine (n = 27) followed by multifocal contiguous lesions (n = 22). Among the patients having single-segment disease, 33.9% (n = 61) involved the lumbar spine and 28.7% (n = 52) involved the dorsolumbar spine. Multifocal Potts disease amounted to 36.25% (n = 105) of the total patients.

Conclusions

Female preponderance was observed in our study. Involvement of the lumbar spine was the most common form involving single-segment disease followed by dorsolumbar, dorsal, and cervical spine. The multifocal contiguous type of affection of STB was found to be the most common type of STB.

Surgical Outcomes of Adults with Spinal Caries from 1992 to 2019: A Single-Center Study-Risk Factors for the Progression of Kyphosis after Anterior Spinal Fixation Reveal Cases Needing Additional Posterior Instrumentation

Background: This study aims to investigate the postoperative improvement of paralysis, fusion rate and risk factors for kyphosis progression in adults affected with spinal caries. Methods: Overall, 134 patients with spinal caries from the thoracic to lumbar spine from 1992 to 2021 were included in this study. Data concerning the affected level (thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar, and lumbosacral), bone fusion rate, and progression of the postoperative local kyphosis angle were collected. The risk factors for the progression of local kyphosis angle after anterior spinal fixation (ASF) were determined using linear regression analysis. Results: Preoperatively, the degree of spinal cord paralysis was D and E on Frankel classification. Improvement of paralysis was good with surgery, especially from C, D. The overall bone fusion rate was 83.2%. The only factor influencing the progression of local kyphosis angle after ASF was the level of the affected vertebra. Progression of kyphosis angle after ASF was very advanced in the thoracolumbar transition area. Conclusions: Surgical improvement in paraplegia and the fusion rate of ASF with only grafted bone was good. However, in patients affected in the thoracolumbar spine region, posterior instrumentation is desirable because of local kyphosis progression risk after surgery.

Comparing gene expression profiles of adults with isolated spinal tuberculosis to disseminated spinal tuberculosis identified by 18FDG-PET/CT at time of diagnosis, 6- and 12-months follow-up: classifying clinical stages of spinal tuberculosis and monitoring treatment response (Spinal TB X cohort study)

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, with approximately 10 million cases annually. Focus has been on pulmonary TB, while extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) has received little attention. Diagnosis of EPTB remains challenging due to the invasive procedures required for sample collection. Spinal TB (STB) accounts for 10% of EPTB and often leads to lifelong debilitating disease due to devastating spinal deformation and compression of neural structures. Little is known about the extent of disease, although both isolated STB and a disseminated form of STB have been described. In our Spinal TB X cohort study, we aim to describe the clinical phenotype of STB using whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT, identify a specific gene expression profile for different stages of dissemination and compare findings to previously described gene expression signatures for latent and active pulmonary TB.

METHODS

A single-centre, prospective cohort study will be established to describe the distributional pattern of STB detected by whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT and gene expression profile of patients with suspected STB on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at point of diagnosis, six months, and 12 months. Blood biobanking will be performed at these time points. Specimens for microbiology will be obtained from sputum/urine, from easily accessible sites of disease (e.g., lymph nodes, abscess) identified in the first 18FDG-PET/CT, from CT-guided biopsy and/or surgery. Clinical parameters and functional scores will be collected at every physical visit. Data will be entered into RedCap® database; data cleaning, validation and analysis will be performed by the study team. The University of Cape Town Ethics Committee approved the protocol (243/2022).

DISCUSSION

The Spinal TB X cohort study is the first prospective cohort study using whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT scans in patients with microbiologically confirmed spinal tuberculosis. Dual imaging techniques of the spine using 18FDG-PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging as well as tissue diagnosis (microbiology and histopathology) will allow us to develop a virtual biopsy model. If successful, a distinct gene-expression profile will aid in blood-based diagnosis (point of care testing) as well as treatment monitoring and would lead to earlier diagnosis of this devastating disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05610098).

Multi-level tuberculosis of the spine identified by 18 F-FDG-PET/CT and concomitant urogenital tuberculosis: a case report from the spinal TB X cohort

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and typically infects the lungs. However, extrapulmonary forms of TB can be found in approximately 20% of cases. It is suggested, that up to 10% of extrapulmonary TB affects the musculoskeletal system, in which spinal elements (spinal tuberculosis, STB) are involved in approximately 50% of the cases. STB is a debilitating disease with nonspecific symptoms and diagnosis is often delayed for months to years. In our Spinal TB X Cohort, we aim to describe the clinical phenotype of STB using whole-body 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT) and to identify a specific gene expression profile for the different stages of dissemination on PET/CT. Here we report on the first patient recruited into our cohort who underwent PET/CT before treatment initiation, at 6-months and at 12-months - time of TB treatment completion.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 27-year-old immunocompetent male presented with severe thoracolumbar back pain for 9 months with severe antalgic gait and night sweats. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the whole spine revealed multilevel spinal disease (T5/6, T11/12, L3/4) in keeping with STB. After informed consent and recruitment into the Spinal TB X Cohort, the patient underwent PET/CT as per protocol, which revealed isolated multilevel STB (T4-7, T11/12, L3/4) with no concomitant lung or urogenital lesion. However, sputum and urine were Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra positive and Mtb was cultured from the urine sample. CT-guided biopsy of the T11/12 lesion confirmed drug-sensitive Mtb on Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and the patient was started on TB treatment according to local guidelines for 12 months. The 6-month follow-up PET/CT revealed new and existing spinal lesions with increased FDG-uptake despite significant improvement of clinical features and laboratory markers. After 9 months of treatment, the patient developed an acute urethral stricture, most likely due to urogenital TB, and a suprapubic catheter was inserted. The 12-month PET/CT showed significantly decreased PET/CT values of all lesions, however, significant persistent spinal inflammation was present at the end of TB treatment. Clinically, the patient was considered cured by the TB control program and currently awaits urethroplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

In our case, PET/CT emerged as a valuable imaging modality for the initial assessment, surpassing MRI by revealing more comprehensive extensive disease. Subsequent PET/CT scans at 6-month uncovered new lesions and increased inflammation in existing ones, while by the end of TB treatment, all lesions exhibited improvement. However, the interpretation of FDG avidity remains ambiguous, whether it correlates with active infection and viable Mtb. or fibro- and osteoblast activity indicative of the healing process. Additionally, the absence of extraspinal TB lesions on PET/CT despite positive microbiology from sputum and urine maybe explained by paucibacillary, subclinical infection of extraspinal organs. The Spinal TB X Cohort endeavours to shed light on whole-body imaging patterns at diagnosis, their evolution midway through TB treatment, and upon treatment completion. Ultimately, this study aims to advance our understanding of the biology of this complex disease.

Analysis of the value of potential biomarker S100-A8 protein in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of spinal tuberculosis

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate the value of S100-A8 protein as a diagnostic marker for spinal tuberculosis and to explore its role in the potential pathogenesis of spinal tuberculosis (STB).

Methods

The peripheral blood of 100 spinal tuberculosis patients admitted to the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from September 2018 to June 2021 were collected as the observation group, and the peripheral blood of 30 healthy medical examiners were collected as the control group. Three samples from the observation group and three samples from the control group were selected for proteomics detection and screening of differential proteins. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) was used to enrich and analyze related signaling pathways to confirm the target protein. The serum expression levels of the target proteins were determined and compared between the two groups using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical methods were used to evaluate the value of target protein as a diagnostic marker for STB. A macrophage model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was constructed and S100-A8 small interfering RNA was used to investigate the molecular mechanism of the target protein.

Results

S100-A8 protein has the value of diagnosing spinal tuberculosis (AUC = 0.931, p < 0.001), and the expression level in the peripheral blood of the observation group (59.04 ± 19.37 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of the control group (43.16 ± 10.07 ng/mL) (p < 0.05). S100-A8 protein expression showed a significant positive correlation with both CRP and ESR values (p < 0.01). Its AUCs for combined bacteriological detection, T-SPOT results, diagnostic imaging, antacid staining results, and pathological results were 0.705 (p < 0.05), 0.754 (p < 0.01), 0.716 (p < 0.01), 0.656 (p < 0.05), and 0.681 (p < 0.01), respectively. Lack of S100-A8 leads to a significant decrease in the expression levels of TLR4 and IL-17A in infected macrophages.

Conclusion

S100-A8 protein is differentially expressed in the peripheral blood of patients with spinal tuberculosis and healthy individuals and may be a novel candidate biomarker for the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis. The feedback loop on the S100-A8-TLR4-IL-17A axis may play an important role in the inflammatory mechanism of spinal tuberculosis.

Injectable isoniazid-loaded bone cement based on hydrazone bonds achieving long-term release and decent mechanical properties

A robust and easily manufactured high-strength and long-term release hydrazone-based isoniazid acrylic (HIA) bone cement is reported. The mechanical strength of HIA bone cement is similar to that of normal polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, far surpassing that of traditional isoniazid-containing antibiotic-loaded bone cement (INH bone cement). Isoniazid is connected to the bone cement through bioorthogonal hydrazone chemistry, and it possesses release properties superior to those of INH bone cement, allowing for the sustained release of isoniazid for up to 12 weeks. In vivo and in vitro studies also indicate that HIA cement exhibits better biocompatibility than INH bone cement. The results of this study not only signify progress in the realm of antimicrobial bone cement for addressing bone tuberculosis but also enhance our capacity to create and comprehend high-performing antimicrobial bone cement.

Navigating Perioperative Challenges in Pott's Spine: A Comprehensive Review

Pott's spine, or tuberculous spondylitis, remains a significant public health concern in regions where tuberculosis is endemic. The management of Pott's spine poses unique perioperative challenges due to the complexity of the disease process, including vertebral destruction, spinal instability, and neurological compromise. This comprehensive review explores the intricacies of navigating perioperative challenges in Pott's spine surgery. Beginning with an overview of Pott's spine, including its etiology, clinical presentation, and classification, the review delves into the significance of perioperative challenges in this condition. Emphasis is placed on the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, meticulous preoperative assessment, and tailored surgical planning to optimize outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications. Critical considerations in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of care are discussed in detail, including patient assessment, imaging modalities, surgical techniques, anesthesia considerations, and postoperative rehabilitation. Special considerations such as pediatric Pott's spine and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis are also addressed. The review concludes by summarizing key points, highlighting implications for clinical practice, and providing recommendations for future research. By synthesizing current evidence and clinical expertise, this review offers valuable insights into the optimal management of perioperative challenges in Pott's spine, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this debilitating condition.

Pott's Spine Unveiled: A Comprehensive Case Report and Surgical Intervention

This case report describes the presentation, diagnosis, and surgical management of a 61-year-old female admitted to a tertiary care hospital with a two-month history of neck pain and weakness in all four limbs. Despite the absence of a clear history of trauma, a detailed examination revealed restricted neck flexion, paraspinal muscle spasm, and neurological deficits. Contrast-enhanced MRI indicated vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis at the C5-C6 level, with a suspected infective etiology, possibly tuberculosis spondylitis. The patient underwent anterior cervical decompression, corpectomy of C5-C6, and fusion of C4-C7. Postoperative management included intravenous antibiotics, physiotherapy, and anti-tubercular treatment. The patient exhibited satisfactory recovery, and this case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation and prompt intervention in managing complex spinal infections.

The rabbit model for spinal tuberculosis: An overview

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection has emerged as a global public health issue, predominantly manifesting as pulmonary tuberculosis. Bone and joint tuberculosis, with spinal tuberculosis accounting for approximately 50%, represents a significant form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Over the past years, there has been a rise in the incidence of spinal tuberculosis, and research concerning this area has gained significant attention. At present, animal models provide a means to investigate the pathogenesis, drug resistance, and novel treatment approaches for spinal tuberculosis. New Zealand rabbits, possessing a comparable anatomical structure to humans and capable of reproducing typical pathological features of human tuberculosis, are extensively employed in spinal tuberculosis research using animal models. This article comprehensively evaluates the strengths, considerations in strain selection, various modelling approaches, and practical applications of the rabbit model in studying spinal tuberculosis based on pertinent literature to guide fundamental research in this field by providing valuable insights into appropriate animal model selection.

Tuberculous Paraplegia: Outcome of Operative Intervention

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis of the spine, a common manifestation of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is characterized by vertebral destruction, paradiscal involvement, abscess collection and varying degrees of neurologic affectation. The primary disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infects the lungs, lymph nodes of the mediastinum and gastrointestinal tract/ viscera with spinal involvement being secondary and caused by haematogenous spread. Tuberculous paraplegia arises as a complication of spinal involvement.

AIM

To determine the outcome of operative intervention in tuberculous paraplegia. Methodology: This was a retrospective study involving 10 patients with tuberculous spinal involvement with varying degrees of neurological deficit as defined by both Tuli and ASIA grading. The VAS score, ESR, ASIA grade (both pre-op and post op), Tuli's grade (pre-op and post op) were used to analyze the therapeutic effects of the surgery.

RESULTS

The mean pre-operative VAS score was 5.9 ±1.8, which significantly decreased to 2.2 ±1.3 six weeks post operatively. The mean pre-operative ESR and CRP was 78.9 ± 11.3mm/hr and 83 ± 13.5 respectively; which both showed a statistically significant decrease post-operatively, p<0.05. All cases achieved an increase of more than one ASIA grade post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Early surgical intervention is beneficial in patients with tuberculous spinal disease with neurologic involvement.

Tuberculosis of the Cervical Vertebrae With Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscesses Due to Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an Adult: A Report of a Rare Case

Tuberculosis is a disease with presentations both in the lungs and at other extrapulmonary sites. While pulmonary tuberculosis constitutes a significant proportion of total tuberculosis cases, extrapulmonary cases with infections at rare sites are also documented. Herein, an exceedingly rare case of tuberculosis of the cervical vertebrae with retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses due to Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a young Indian male is presented. The rarity of the locations of the lesions with coinfections with two bacteria made the diagnosis challenging. Besides, the potential for a retropharyngeal abscess to compress the airway is an emergency situation. However, the ultimate diagnosis was achieved with the help of a radiograph of the neck, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck, fine-needle aspiration cytology, and a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test. He was initiated on appropriate antibiotics and antituberculous chemotherapy per his weight.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in central nervous system tuberculosis: A pictorial review

Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis is a post-primary form of tuberculosis. It has high mortality and morbidity rates despite early diagnosis and treatment. CNS tuberculosis can manifest as subacute/chronic meningitis, parenchymal tuberculous lesions, and spinal tuberculosis. Hematogenous spread of tuberculous bacilli to the brain results in the development of so called "rich foci" on the pial surface, ependyma, and grey-white matter junction. Rupture of these "rich foci" into the subarachnoid space triggers an intense granulomatous inflammatory reaction. Tuberculous meningitis can manifest as leptomeningitis or pachymeningitis. Intracranial parenchymal tuberculous lesions may present as tuberculoma, tuberculous abscess, cerebritis, rhombencephalitis, and encephalopathy, with atypical presentations not uncommon. Complications of CNS tuberculosis encompass hydrocephalus, syrinx formation, vasculitis, infarcts, neuritis, and enduring neurological deficits. Post-contrast 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and post-contrast T1 spin-echo sequences excel in detecting tuberculous meningitis compared to other conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. In proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (PMRS), the presence of a lipid peak at 1.3 ppm is indicative of tuberculous lesions. Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging enhances the detection of tuberculous lesions, as the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) of tuberculous pathologies, owing to their high lipid content, is lower than that in bacterial or fungal pathologies and higher than that in viral pathologies. This review article delves into the various typical and atypical imaging presentations of CNS tuberculosis in MRI, along with recent advances in imaging techniques.

Plasma metabolomic analysis reveals the metabolic characteristics and potential diagnostic biomarkers of spinal tuberculosis

Objectives

This study aimed to conduct a non-targeted metabolomic analysis of plasma from patients with spinal tuberculosis (STB) to systematically elucidate the metabolomic alterations associated with STB, and explore potential diagnostic biomarkers for STB.

Methods

From January 2020 to January 2022, 30 patients with spinal tuberculosis (STBs) clinically diagnosed at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were selected for this study. Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) based metabolomics, we analyzed the metabolic profiles of 60 plasma samples. Statistical analyses, pathway enrichment, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to screen and evaluate potential diagnostic biomarkers.

Results

Metabolomic profiling revealed distinct alterations between the STBs and HCs cohorts. A total of 1635 differential metabolites were screened, functionally clustered, and annotated. The results showed that the differential metabolites were enriched in sphingolipid metabolism, tuberculosis, cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, beta-alanine metabolism, methane metabolism, and other pathways. Through the random forest algorithm, LysoPE (18:1(11Z)/0:0), 8-Demethyl-8-formylriboflavin 5'-phosphate, Glutaminyl-Gamma-glutamate, (2R)-O-Phospho-3-sulfolactate, and LysoPE (P-16:0/0:0) were determined to have high independent diagnostic value.

Conclusions

STBs exhibited significantly altered metabolite profiles compared with HCs. Here, we provide a global metabolomic profile and identify potential diagnostic biomarkers of STB. Five potential independent diagnostic biomarkers with high diagnostic value were screened. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of STB.

Magnetic resonance imaging features for differentiating tuberculous from pyogenic spondylitis: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To perform a meta-analysis comparing the MRI features of tuberculous and pyogenic spondylitis, using histopathological results and/or blood culture as the standard reference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for English-language studies on the MRI features of tuberculous and pyogenic spondylitis published between January 2010 and February 2023. Risk for bias and concerns regarding applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Pooled MRI features' proportions were calculated using a bivariate random-effects model.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria: 21 for tuberculous spondylitis, three for pyogenic spondylitis, and eight for both. Of the nine informative MRI features comparing tuberculous spondylitis to pyogenic spondylitis, involvement of ≥ 2 vertebral bodies (92% vs. 88%, P = .004), epidural extension (77% vs. 25%, P < .001), paravertebral collection (91% vs. 84%, P < .001), subligamentous spread (93% vs. 24%, P < .001), thin and regular abscess wall (94% vs. 18%, P < .001), vertebral collapse (68% vs. 24%, P < .001), and kyphosis (39% vs. 3%, P < .01) were more suggestive of tuberculous spondylitis, while disc signal change (82% vs. 95%, P < .001) and disc height loss (22% vs. 59%, P < .001) were more suggestive of pyogenic spondylitis.

CONCLUSION

Involvement of ≥ 2 vertebral vertebral bodies, soft tissue attribution, thin and regular abscess wall, vertebral collapse, and kyphosis were MRI features more common in tuberculous spondylitis, while disc signal change and height loss were more common in pyogenic spondylitis.

Sternal Puncture-Induced Acute Spinal Cord Syndrome in a Myeloma-Remissive Patient Revealing Pott Disease: A Case Report

Cord compression is not a known complication of sternal puncture. We report the case of a patient with a history of multiple myeloma who presented acute onset paraplegia brought on during sternal puncture. Neuroimaging revealed focal spondylodiscitis and cord compression by an abscess. Neurosurgical decompression was not carried out on the patient because of her fragile general state of health and tardy consultation. Workup revealed the patient in remission from her multiple myeloma thus making decompressive radiotherapy unnecessary. The diagnosis of Pott disease was made by taking into account the clinical presentation, spine imaging and extra neurological imaging findings. Empiric anti-tuberculosis treatment was initiated which resulted in spectacular outcomes with a patient being able to walk with little aid by the end of her nine-month treatment course.

IL-10 and TGF-β1 may weaken the efficacy of preoperative anti-tuberculosis therapy in older patients with spinal tuberculosis

Spinal tuberculosis is a common extrapulmonary type that is often secondary to pulmonary or systemic infections. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection often leads to the balance of immune control and bacterial persistence. In this study, 64 patients were enrolled and the clinicopathological and immunological characteristics of different age groups were analyzed. Anatomically, spinal tuberculosis in each group mostly occurred in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Imaging before preoperative anti-tuberculosis therapy showed that the proportion of abscesses in the older group was significantly lower than that in the younger and middle-aged groups. However, pathological examination of surgical specimens showed that the proportion of abscesses in the older group was significantly higher than that in the other groups, and there was no difference in the granulomatous inflammation, caseous necrosis, inflammatory necrosis, acute inflammation, exudation, granulation tissue formation, and fibrous tissue hyperplasia. B cell number was significantly lower in the middle-aged and older groups compared to the younger group, while the number of T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and NK cells did not differ. Meaningfully, we found that the proportion of IL-10 high expression and TGF-β1 positive in the older group was significantly higher than that in the younger group. TNF-α, CD66b, IFN-γ, and IL-6 expressions were not different among the three groups. In conclusion, there are some differences in imaging, pathological, and immune features of spinal tuberculosis in different age groups. The high expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in older patients may weaken their anti-tuberculosis immunity and treatment effectiveness.

Chronic multifocal tubercular osteomyelitis in a young Nepalese boy: A rare case presentation

This study presents a rare case of chronic multifocal tubercular osteomyelitis in a 13-year-old boy from Nepal, a high-burden country for tuberculosis (TB). He presented with chronic pain in the lower extremities and had no pre-existing comorbidities. The patient's clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment plan are described. Multifocal skeletal TB, though infrequent, poses diagnostic challenges due to its variable manifestations. This case emphasizes the importance of considering TB in differential diagnoses, especially in endemic regions, necessitating a high index of suspicion. Early detection and treatment align with WHO's "End TB" strategy and Nepal's TB management guidelines, promoting improved outcomes in high-risk populations.

Imaging of musculoskeletal tuberculosis

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) of the musculoskeletal system usually manifests with non-specific clinical features, mimicking a variety of diseases. Diagnosis and treatment of spinal and extra-spinal musculoskeletal TB are often challenging. Imaging has an important role in detecting this disease, aiding diagnosis, identifying complications, and monitoring disease progression. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging are the key imaging modalities utilized. Radiologists should aim to be familiar with the spectrum of imaging features of TB affecting spinal and extra-spinal locations in the musculoskeletal system.

A, Kis L, Király K, Varga S, Marcsik A, Schütz O, Török T, Hunt DR, Tihanyi B. White plague among the "forgotten people" from the Barbaricum of the Carpathian Basin-Cases with tuberculosis from the Sarmatian-period (3rd-4th centuries CE) archaeological site of Hódmezővásárhely-Kenyere-ér, Bereczki-tanya (Hungary)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that is well-known in the palaeopathological record because it can affect the skeleton and consequently leaves readily identifiable macroscopic alterations. Palaeopathological case studies provide invaluable information about the spatio-temporal distribution of TB in the past. This is true for those archaeological periods and geographical regions from when and where no or very few TB cases have been published until now-as in the Sarmatian period (1st-5th centuries CE) in the Barbaricum of the Carpathian Basin. The aim of our paper is to discuss five newly discovered TB cases (HK199, HK201, HK225, HK253, and HK309) from the Sarmatian-period archaeological site of Hódmezővásárhely-Kenyere-ér, Bereczki-tanya (Csongrád-Csanád county, Hungary). Detailed macromorphological evaluation of the skeletons focused on the detection of bony changes likely associated with different forms of TB. In all five cases, the presence of endocranial alterations (especially TB-specific granular impressions) suggests that these individuals suffered from TB meningitis. Furthermore, the skeletal lesions observed in the spine and both hip joints of HK225 indicate that this juvenile also had multifocal osteoarticular TB. Thanks to the discovery of HK199, HK201, HK225, HK253, and HK309, the number of TB cases known from the Sarmatian-period Carpathian Basin doubled, implying that the disease was likely more frequent in the Barbaricum than previously thought. Without the application of granular impressions, the diagnosis of TB could not have been established in these five cases. Thus, the identification of TB in these individuals highlights the importance of diagnostics development, especially the refinement of diagnostic criteria. Based on the above, the systematic macromorphological (re-)evaluation of osteoarchaeological series from the Sarmatian-period Carpathian Basin would be advantageous to provide a more accurate picture of how TB may have impacted the ancestral human communities of the Barbaricum.

The Need for Persistence in the Diagnosis of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Mono-arthritis: A Unique Case Presentation

Although tuberculosis (TB) is considered to be a common disease confined to undeveloped or developing countries, it may also appear in countries that accept great migrant influx from endemic areas. In terms of the skeletal system, it can be involved in 1-6% of tuberculosis patients while the knee joint is the third most frequently affected site after spine and hip. Given that systemic symptoms are present in only one-third of patients with skeletal tuberculosis and secondary septic arthritis, TB is often indolent and diagnosis can hence be missed or delayed. As a result, a high index of suspicion is imperative. Here, we aim to report a case of mono-arthritis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a native 77-year-old man who was suffering from low-grade knee pain for six months and despite multiple presentations to the Accident and Emergency department, diagnosis had not been established.

Neurotuberculosis: A mystery seeking it's answers in pulmonary tuberculosis

Neurotuberculosis remains a mystery and presents a formidable challenge in diagnosis and management. While pulmonary tuberculosis has a well understood pathophysiology and well researched management strategies, CNS tuberculosis still has plenty of unanswered questions. The purpose of this review is to highlight the debatable issues in the current understanding of the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of Neurotuberculosis.

A novel surgical strategy of three column osteotomy at non-lesioned area for correcting severe angular kyphosis due to Pott's disease: a retrospectively study

Severe sharp angular kyphosis resulting from Pott's disease typically necessitates surgical intervention. The deployment of three-column osteotomy within the lesion and apical regions has been validated as an effective modality for the amelioration of angular kyphosis. Nonetheless, a propensity for residual kyphosis persists, accompanied by a significant perioperative risk profile. In pursuit of optimizing correctional outcomes and diminishing complication rates, we proposed an innovative surgical approach, utilizing osteotomy in the non-lesioned zones for the rectification of severe angular kyphosis associated with Pott's disease. This retrospective investigation encompasses 16 subjects who underwent this novel surgical tactic, involving osteotomies in non-lesioned vertebral segments, at our institution from 2016 to 2018. Radiographic measures, encompassing kyphotic angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA), were documented at baseline and during terminal follow-up. Neurological status was evaluated via the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system. Operative duration, volume of hemorrhage, and perioperative complications were systematically recorded. The cohort included 6 males and 10 females with an average age of 30.7 ± 11.41 years. Follow-up intervals spanned 24 to 42 months. Mean operative time and blood loss were 492 ± 127.3 min and 1791 ± 788.8 ml, respectively. The kyphotic angle improved from 97.6 ± 14.6° to 28.8 ± 18.70°. In cases with lumbar afflictions, vertebral restoration was achieved (L1-L5 and L2-S1). Initial mean SVA of 6.7 ± 3.58 cm was reduced to 3.3 ± 1.57 cm at follow-up. Neurological function enhancement was observed in six patients, while ten maintained baseline status. Complication rates, including wound infection and rod fracture at 12 months, were observed in approximately 11.8% of cases. Our findings suggest that the surgical strategy is both effective and safe for addressing severe angular kyphosis due to Pott's disease, contingent upon the expertise of the surgical unit.

"Tuberculosis on the spot" - Discussion of a probable sternal tuberculosis from a late medieval cemetery from Hungary

Investigations of non-adult remains are particularly suitable for finding epidemic periods in past populations. This study presents a probable unique example of osseous manifestation of tuberculosis on a child's skeletal remains from medieval Hungary. Between 2009 and 2011 the Field Service for Cultural Heritage excavated the exceptional cemetery of Perkáta - Nyúli-dűlő in Hungary, with around 5000+ graves. The analysed skeleton (SNR 948) was located in the medieval (10-16th century) part of the cemetery. Besides the standard macroscopic pathological observation, we also performed radiographic analysis. The remains of the child (13-14 year-old) showed numerous skeletal lesions: the ribs have proliferative lesions (dense nodules) on the visceral surface of the shaft, lytic lesions with rounded edges occurred on the thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies, and on the facies auricularis of the left ilium we can see pitting and new bone formation. What makes this pathological case exceptional is the significant change in the manubrium. It shows extensive osteolytic lesions, probably due to tuberculous osteomyelitis, which is a unique phenomenon in an archaeological context. This rare type of extra-spinal tuberculous osteomyelitis appears in less than 1% of cases with skeletal TB, and even less in case of children, according to modern medical literature. Although some cases of slight lesions on the manubrium have been described from an archaeological context, no such cases showing advanced lesions have been published so far. In the future, biomolecular analyses should be conducted as well, in order to confirm the presence of TB in this individual.

Unmasking the great imitators-noninfectious conditions masquerading as spinal tuberculosis in a developing country: A single-center case series analysis

Background

The diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis often relies on clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings, particularly in resource-constrained settings. However, numerous noninfectious conditions exhibit similar clinical and radiological features to spinal tuberculosis, leading to potential misdiagnosis in the absence of microbiological or histopathological confirmation. This study aims to present a case series from a developing country, highlighting noninfectious conditions that mimic spinal tuberculosis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on hospital records and imaging of patients diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis, lacking microbiological or histopathological evidence, and unresponsive to empirical antitubercular treatment. Patients displaying noninfectious conditions resembling spinal tuberculosis upon further investigation were included. Clinical and radiological findings of these patients were thoroughly analyzed.

Results

Among a total of 23 patients observed over a 6-year period (2015-2020), various noninfectious conditions were identified as mimickers of spinal tuberculosis. These conditions included vertebral body haemangioma, ankylosing spondylitis (with or without Andersson lesion), rheumatoid pannus, osteoid osteoma, cystic hygroma, multiple myeloma, vertebral metastasis, malignant small round-cell tumor, pancreatic pseudocyst, esophageal duplication cyst, Modic changes in degenerative disc disease, Paget's disease, and psoas hematoma.

Conclusion

Noninfectious spinal conditions can masquerade as spinal tuberculosis, underscoring the importance of obtaining a definitive tissue diagnosis before initiating antitubercular treatment. Particular attention should be given to features such as central lesions and the absence of soft tissue involvement in suspected cases of spinal tuberculosis, warranting a careful reconsideration of the diagnosis.

Utility of clinicoradiological, microbiological, histopathological, and molecular methods in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis

PURPOSE

The diagnosis of STB is mainly based on clinicoradiological observations substantiated by bacterial culture, staining, Gene Xpert, and histopathology. The purpose of the study was to correlate these methods to evaluate the effectiveness in the diagnosis of STB.

METHODS

A total of 178 clinicoradiologically suspected cases of STB were included in the study. The specimens for diagnostic workup were collected either during surgery or by CT-guided biopsy. All these specimens were tested for tuberculosis through ZN staining, solid culture, histopathology, and PCR. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of each test were calculated using histopathology as a gold standard.

RESULTS

Out of the 178 cases, a total of 15 cases were excluded from this study. Among the remaining 163 cases, TB was diagnosed in 143 [87.73%] on histopathology, 130 [79.75%] on Gene Xpert, 40 [24.53%] on culture, and 23 [14.11%] on ZN stain. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of Gene Xpert were 86.71, 70, 95.38, and 42.42%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of AFB culture were 27.97, 100, 100, and 16.26%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of AFB stain were 16.08, 100, 100, and 14.29%, respectively. Gene Xpert showed a moderate agreement [Ƙc = 0.4432] with histopathology.

CONCLUSION

No single diagnostic modality can ascertain the diagnosis, and it is desirable to have a combination of diagnostic batteries for better results. A combination of Gene Xpert and histopathology aids in early and reliable diagnosis of STB.

Tumors and infections of the growing spine

The growing spine differs from the adult spine in several ways. Although tumors and infections cause only a small percentage of pediatric back pain incidences, delayed proper diagnosis and treatment may be disastrous. Benign lesions, such as osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, and aneurysmal bone cyst in the spine, are predominant during the first two decades of life, whereas malignant bony spinal tumors are rare. In the pediatric population, malignant spine tumors include osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, lymphoma, and metastatic neuroblastoma. Infections of the growing spine are rare, with the incidence of discitis peaking in patients under the age of 5 years and that of vertebral osteomyelitis peaking in older children. Spondylodiscitis is often a benign, self-limiting condition with low potential for bone destruction. Conservative treatments, including bedrest, immobilization, and antibiotics, are usually sufficient. Spinal tuberculosis is a frequently observed form of skeletal tuberculosis, especially in developing countries. Indications for surgical treatment include neurologic deficit, spinal instability, progressive kyphosis, late-onset paraplegia, and advanced disease unresponsive to nonoperative treatment. Spinal tumors and infections should be considered potential diagnoses in cases with spinal pain unrelated to the child's activity, accompanied by fever, malaise, and weight loss. In spinal tumors, early diagnosis, fast and adequate multidisciplinary management, appropriate en bloc resection, and reconstruction improve local control, survival, and quality of life. Pyogenic, hematogenous spondylodiscitis is the most common spinal infection; however, tuberculosis-induced spondylodiscitis should also be considered. Level of evidence: level 4.

Relationship between TLR-2 level and clinical or radiological severity on patients with tuberculosis spondylitis in Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital Makassar

Spinal tuberculosis or TB spondylitis is one of the most common types of extra pulmonary tuberculosis, which is about 15% of all cases. It causes severe morbidity, neurological deficits, and severe deformities in the patients. The growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in culture specimens obtained from infected tissue is the single gold standard diagnostic test for spinal TB. Toll-like receptor (TLR) is one of the important receptors in the first-line defence system against microbes. TLR-2 and TLR-4 are known to be associated with tuberculosis infection. Based on this background, the researchers were interested in examining the relationship between TLR-2 levels and the clinical and radiological severity of TB spondylitis patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients diagnosed with tuberculosis spondylitis at Dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar. Patients diagnosed with TB spondylitis confirmed by blood tests, GeneExpert, and magnetic resonance imaging without prior treatment were included. Data analysis were conducted by using descriptive analysis and one-way ANOVA for bivariate analysis. The mean value of TLR2 levels in TB spondylitis patients was 9.1 g/dL. TLR2 levels in paraesthesia were significantly higher than normal (P < .05). Similar trend were analyzed on the motor neurologic status with TLR2 levels in paraparesis were significantly higher than those in normal (P < .05). There is a significant relationship between the TLR2 levels in TB spondylitis and their impaired motor and sensory function. Spinal destruction has been shown to provide significant relationship with TLR2 value in spondylitis TB.

Incidental finding of Pott's disease with abscesses of the psoas simulating an appendicular syndrome

Pott's disease or tuberculous spondylodiscitis is the disco-vertebral localization of Koch's bacillus. It causes progressive spinal lesions, with abscesses forming in the perivertebral soft tissues and epidural spaces. Medical imaging plays an indisputable role in the diagnosis and management of Pott's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables early positive diagnosis and assessment of spinal damage. Computed tomography (CT) is currently the best interventional imaging method for the drainage of soft tissue abscesses and disco-vertebral biopsies for bacteriological and histological purposes. We report a case of accidental discovery of Pott's disease with abscesses of the psoas simulating an appendicular syndrome and describe its epidemiological, clinical, and radiological aspects through a review of the literature.

Incidence and Patterns of Drug Resistance in Patients with Spinal Tuberculosis: a Prospective, Single-Center Study from a Tuberculosis-Endemic Country

Background

There is paucity of data on incidence and pattern of drug resistance in spinal TB. This prospective observational study was conducted to document the incidence and drug-resistance pattern among primary and presumptive resistant cases.

Methods

59 consecutive cases diagnosed clinico-radiologically (imaging) were grouped into Group A (n = 51, primary cases) and Group B (n = 8, presumptive resistant cases) based on pre-defined criteria (INDEX-TB guidelines). Tissue samples obtained percutaneously (37.29%, 22/59) and on surgery (62.71%, 37/59) were subjected to genotypic DST (CBNAAT, LPA) and phenotypic DST (BACTEC MGIT 960 culture and sensitivity using fixed critical concentration of drugs).

Results

Etiological diagnosis was ascertained in all. 13/51 (25.49%) in Group A, while 3/8 (37.5%) in Group B and 16/59 (27.12%) overall demonstrated drug resistance. 12/16 (75%) had no prior history of ATT intake. 4 demonstrated INH (Isoniazid) mono-resistance. 12 polydrug resistance demonstrated: 5MDR, 3pre-XDR, while RIF + FQ (fluoroquinolones), FQ + Lz (linezolid), only SLID (second-line injectable drugs), and only FQ resistance observed in 1 case each. Isolated RIF (Rifampicin) resistance and XDR pattern were not observed. Overall frequency of RIF resistance was 16.4% (9/55) and INH was 25% (12/48) with low-(n-2) and high-level INH resistance (n-10). Among second-line drugs, FQ resistance was more than SLID resistance and within FQ, levofloxacin resistance was more frequent than moxifloxacin. MGIT demonstrated positive growth in 16/59 samples, out of which 1 sample was positive for nontuberculous mycobacteria (M. chelonae) but on genotypic testing demonstrated MTB resistant to RIF and FQ.

Conclusion

This is the first report on incidence and drug-resistant pattern in culture-positive/negative cases. High (25.49%) primary drug resistance is worrisome. This being the first study in  spinal TB cases which document prevalent drug-resistant pattern as evaluated for consecutive culture-positive/negative cases. The tissue obtained must be submitted for AFB culture and molecular tests to ascertain drug resistance in culture-positive/negative cases. However, in the presence of insufficient tissue sample histology and CBNAAT can ascertain etiological diagnosis in 100% cases. INH resistance is more than RIF with isolated RIF resistance unreported.

Evaluation of different diagnostic methods for spinal tuberculosis infection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most fatal infectious disease worldwide. Approximately 24.6% of tuberculosis cases are extrapulmonary and predominantly affect the spine. It is difficult to diagnose spinal TB (STB). We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT)-960 culture, T-SPOT.TB, Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB)/resistance to rifampin (RIF), and Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) to detect STB.

METHODS

We assessed 126 patients presumed to have STB using these four methods. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using clinical diagnosis as a reference.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 41 were diagnosed with STB and 85 with non-STB. In the STB group, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the MGIT-960 culture were 29.3% (12/41), 100% (85/85), 100% (12/12), and 74.6% (85/114), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of T-SPOT.TB were 92.7% (38/41), 82.4% (70/85), 58.5% (31/53), and 95.9% (70/73), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay were 53.7% (22/41), 100% (85/85), 100% (22/22), and 81.7% (85/104), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of mNGS were 39.0% (16/41), 98.8% (84/85), 94.1% (16/17), and 77.1% (84/109), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of mNGS + Xpert MTB/RIF were 73.2% (30/41), 100% (85/85), 96.8% (30/31), and 72.0% (85/118), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the mNGS + T-spot assay were 97.6% (40/41), 100% (85/85), 67.9% (38/56), and 75.9% (85/113), respectively. Moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of T-spot + Xpert MTB/RIF were 95.1% (39/41), 100% (85/85), 72.2% (39/54), and 81.0% (85/105), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

T-SPOT.TB is the most effective method for diagnosing STB; however, Xpert MTB/RIF is more reliable and can detect RIF resistance. Clinicians can use mNGS to identify pathogens in patients with spinal infections; these pathogens appeared to be more meaningful in guiding the clinical management of patients in the non-STB group. The combination of Xpert MTB/RIF and mNGS can improve the early diagnosis rate and drug resistance detection, reduce the diagnostic cycle, and provide early targeted anti-TB treatment for patients with STB.

The Evolution of Diagnostic Techniques in the Paleopathology of Tuberculosis: A Scoping Review

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient chronic infectious disease that remains a global health concern. In human remains, the most common and characteristic clinical signs are the skeletal modifications involving the spine, such as in Pott's disease. Diagnosing TB in ancient human remains is challenging. Therefore, in this systematic review, the authors investigated the studies assessing molecular diagnosis of Pott's disease in ancient human remains with the intention to survey the literature, map the evidence, and identify gaps and future perspectives on TB in paleopathology. Our systematic review offers a full contextualization of the history of Pott's disease in ancient times. Our search strategy was performed between August 2022 and March 2023. The authors initially identified 340 records, and 74 studies were finally included and assessed for qualitative analysis. Due to non-specific clinical signs associated with TB, how best to diagnose tuberculosis in human remains still represents a central point. Nevertheless, ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis, lipid biomarkers, and spoligotyping might be extremely useful tools in the study of TB in human remains. Moreover, we propose the extraction and study of immune response genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity versus Mycobacterium spp. as an innovative and vastly overlooked approach in TB paleopathology. Complementary methodologies should be integrated to provide the best approach to the study of TB in human remains.

Long-segment Continuous Multi-level Spinal Tuberculosis without Bony Destruction Leading to Rapid Paraplegia in an Immunocompetent Patient

Introduction

Spinal tuberculosis (STB) accounts for 1% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases and 50% of skeletal TB. The classic presentation is a paradiscal involvement leading to the destruction of bodies, progressive kyphosis that can end with neurological weakness. The advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has made detection early but at the same time, we find multilevel involvement which can be continuous/noncontinuous.

Case Report

A 26-year-old male, non-alcoholic, non-smoker presented with complete paraplegia involving the bladder and bowel. His clinical examination did not show any gibbus. He was started on empirical antitubercular therapy and then referred to us as he failed to show improvement. An MRI of the spine showed extensive long-segment continuous spinal involvement with epidural abscess. The patient was taken for surgery with posterior decompression and instrumentation which was proven to be TB. He received complete treatment of 1 year and had complete recovery of his sensory and incomplete recovery of motor of lower limbs (became a wheelchair ambulator) with regain of bowel and bladder control at the end of treatment.

Conclusion

This case report revealed that long-segment continuous STB without extensive destruction is atypical presentation. The clinical findings of paraplegia helped us to evaluate and clinch the diagnosis on MRI. However, the prognosis of rapid paraplegia remains guarded and patient had partial recovery of motor so he could become wheel chair ambulator only.

Factors Affecting Neurological Deficits in Thoracic Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis

BACKGROUND

Thoracic spinal tuberculosis (TB) causes destruction of the spine and compression of the adjacent spinal cord. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for neurological deterioration in patients with thoracic spinal TB to guide decision-making regarding immediate surgery before the onset of weakness.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiologic (x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging) data of 115 patients with active thoracic spinal TB were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with neurological status categorized as Frankel grades A, B, or C (n = 71) were classified as the neurological deficit group, while those with neurological status categorized as Frankel grades D and E (n = 44) constituted the control group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to predict the risk factors for neurological deficits.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 57.2 years. The most common lesion location was the distal thoracic region (T9-L1; 62.6%). Paradiscal involvement was the most common form of involvement (73%). In the univariate analysis, the significant risk factors associated with neurological worsening were overweight (body mass index [BMI] >25), C-reactive protein level > 20 mg/L, panvertebral involvement, loss of cerebrospinal fluid posterior to the cord, cord signal changes, and canal compromise. The multivariate analysis revealed that only BMI >25 (adjusted OR = 16.18; 95% CI 1.60-163.64; P = 0.018), cord signal changes (adjusted OR = 7.42; 95% CI 1.85-29.74; P = 0.005), and canal encroachment >50% ( adjusted OR = 51.86; 95% CI 5.53-486.24; P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for predicting the risk of neurological deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight (BMI >25), cord signal changes, and canal compromise >50% significantly predicted neurological deficits in patients with thoracic spinal TB. Prompt spinal surgery should be considered before progressive worsening of the neurological condition in patients with all of these risk factors.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Predictive factors for neurological deficits in thoracic spinal TB were determined. Overweight, cord signal changes, and canal compromise >50% showed predictive value. These factors can help identify patients who require early surgical intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Cervical Pott's Disease Presenting As Quadriplegia in a Young Patient: A Case Report

Cervical Pott's disease, a form of spinal tuberculosis (TB), is a significant concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing complications like vertebral collapse. Clinical and radiological features of cervical Pott's disease can resemble other spinal conditions, posing diagnostic challenges. We present a case of a 28-year-old female who initially presented with quadriplegia, cervical instability, and high-grade fever. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and prompt intervention, the patient was diagnosed with cord compression syndrome secondary to a cervical abscess and probable cervical Pott's disease. Anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) and steroids were initiated, leading to significant improvement in symptoms and disease resolution. In summary, this case underscores the diagnostic challenge of cervical Pott's disease and the importance of imaging in TB diagnosis in resource-limited settings. The positive treatment response emphasizes early intervention's significance.