JMCR: Clinical Minute

Chen, Y., Wang, H. Delayed diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis mimicking spondyloarthritis: a case report. J Med Case Reports (2026).
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Article Highlights

  • Spinal tuberculosis may closely mimic axial spondyloarthritis, leading to prolonged diagnostic delay.
  • Temporary symptomatic improvement with immunosuppressive therapy does not exclude an underlying spinal infection.
  • Vertebral destruction, preserved disc height, and paravertebral abscess on imaging should prompt evaluation for spinal tuberculosis.
  • Early microbiologic confirmation using T-SPOT.TB, Xpert MTB/RIF, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing facilitates accurate diagnosis.
  • Timely surgical intervention combined with standard antituberculous therapy can restore function and prevent spinal deformity and neurological complications.

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