Computed Tomography-Guided Catheterization Drainage to Cure Spinal Tuberculosis With Individualized Chemotherapy

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of individualized chemotherapy delivered via percutaneous catheter drainage on paravertebral abscesses in spinal tuberculosis (TB). Data from 48 patients with spinal TB with paravertebral abscesses who received individualized chemotherapy via computed tomography-guided catheterization between 2009 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The paravertebral abscesses affected the thoracic vertebra (n= 12), the lumbar spine (n= 20), the thoracolumbar vertebra (n= 10), and the lumbosacral (n= 6). All patients achieved clinical healing with no recurrence. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and visual analog scale scores decreased significantly by the endpoint of follow-up. Although C-reactive protein values increased slightly right after treatment, they were also significantly lower at last follow-up. The kyphotic angle and Oswestry Disability Index values also exhibited significant decreases. No neurologic function impairment was reported. Computed tomography-guided catheterization for continuous administration of individualized chemotherapy was a safe and effective treatment for spinal TB with paravertebral abscesses in the cohort examined, and thus, it warrants further study.