Abstract: Objective Analyze the MRI imaging characteristics of Brucella spondylitis to provide assistance for further clinical diagnosis and treatment. Method Retrospective analysis of spinal MRI imaging data confirmed by clinical pathology or biological examination from January 2022 to January 2024 for Brucella spondylitis, Statistical analysis of characteristic data, including the location and number of affected vertebral bodies, the morphology and signal intensity of affected vertebral bodies, the morphology and signal intensity of affected intervertebral discs, as well as changes in intervertebral spaces and paraspinal soft tissues. Result 23 patients with Brucella spondylitis comprised 16 males and 7 females, aged from 37 to 82 years with an average of 62.8 years. Lesions were identified in 2 cervical, 1 thoracic, and 2 sacral vertebra, with up to 18 cases in the lumbar vertebrae. A total of 45 vertebral bodies were affected, with the L₄ vertebra being the most frequently involved (16 cases), sometimes extending to adjacent vertebral edges. In 23 cases, vertebral bodies exhibited abnormal morphology and signal, similarly, 18 cases had abnormal intervertebral disc morphology and signal, an incidence of 78.2%, 12 cases had intervertebral space abnormalities, an incidence of 52.2%, and 3 cases had paravertebral abnormalities, an incidence of 13.0%. The formation of osteophyte at the anterior edge of the diseased vertebral body (parrot beak sign) is a characteristic manifestation of BS, with MRI T₁WI showing iso low signal and T₂WI showing high signal. Conclusion MRI has certain advantages in the diagnosis of Brucella spondylitis. Drawing upon clinical presentations and biological assessments, along with MRI imaging features, one can accurately diagnose the condition.

Key words: Brucellosis, Magnetic resonance imaging, Spondylitis