MRI Features of Tubercular Spinal Arachnoiditis

Abstract

Recently, there has been a significant rise in the prevalence of tuberculosis and an increase in the extrapulmonary manifestations worldwide. Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is often difficult. Although a positive chest radiograph or positive tuberculin skin test supports the diagnosis, negative results do not exclude the possibility of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, recognition and understanding of the common and uncommon radiologic findings of extrapulmonary tuberculosis can help in diagnosis. Here we describe the value of MRI in demonstration of subtle meningeal pathology in spinal arachnoiditis.