Usefulness of imaging in disseminated tuberculosis

Bone scans and MRI images of a 23-year-old male patient are presented. He was diagnosed with disseminated tuberculosis. The bone scan helped to demonstrate the extent of the bone involvement and was also useful in demonstrating the response to treatment. The MRI studies helped to demonstrate some of the complications like retropharyngeal abscess, paraspinal fluid collections, and cord compression. This case illustrates the value of imaging studies in understanding the degree of tuberculosis, but additional information learned is the value of these studies in making decisions in management and follow up during anti-TB treatment.