Javed et al reported findings that are suggestive of spinal tuberculosis. The authors are from Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Patient selection: possible spinal tuberculosis
Criteria with high probability for spinal tuberculosis:
(1) spinal pain
(2) fever (temperature not specified)
(3) gradually progressive lower limb weakness
(4) contrast-enhancing epidural and paravertebral lesions
(5) contiguous spinal levels affected
(6) spinal deformity
(7) raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; mean 37.17 +/- 5.4; spinal tumors had ESR < 20)
Additional criteria that may indicate spinal TB:
(1) female sex
(2) presence of vertebral body erosion on radiologic findings
