Discovertebral destruction in ankylosing spondylitis: the role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging appearances are described in five cases of ankylosing spondylitis with discovertebral destruction. Computed tomography revealed erosions of the vertebral bodies not visible on plain radiographs. The different appearances of the involved disc spaces on magnetic resonance imaging are described and their significance in relation to the pathology of this condition is discussed.