Combined imaging in spondylodiscitis.
At present, in spite of the advancement in antibiotic therapy no significant decrease in the incidence of spinal infections is observed: most likely, this is correlated to the increased immigration flows, high risk behaviors (drug addiction, alcoholism), immunosuppressive diseases (AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma), interventional procedures (iatrogenic causes). Early diagnosis, at times difficult and often misunderstood, is facilitated by the use of a correct diagnostic algorithm, supported by blood culture, needle aspiration and biopsy. Aim of this report was to evaluate the role of the different imaging procedures, CT and MRI in particular, for prompt correct therapeutic management.
Guglielmi
G
G
Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Roma.
De Serio
A
A
Leone
A
A
Agrosì
L
L
Cammisa
M
M
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015299:Discitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed