Spondyloarthropathy of the cervical spine in long-term hemodialysis.
Changes stimulating osteomyelitis have recently been described in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis. These consist of disk-space narrowing and irregularity of adjacent end plates. However, the characteristic prevertebral mass and clinical evidence of infection are often absent. In the appropriate clinical situation, although plain radiography and computed tomography have been helpful, magnetic resonance imaging may be more definitive in excluding infection and may obviate biopsy. The authors' imaging experience with five patients with this entity forms the basis of this report.
Rafto
S E
SE
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Dalinka
M K
MK
Schiebler
M L
ML
Burk
D L
DL
Kricun
M E
ME
D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology