MR and other imaging methods in the investigation of mycetomas.
OBJECTIVE
To report features of mycetomas (actino- and eumycetoma infection), which belong to the so-called rare bone infections, as evaluated by MR and other imaging methods and to assess chemotherapy treatment.


METHODS
Twenty patients (average age 57 years) were diagnosed by different modalities. Analyses of 57 plain films, 31 three-phase bone scans, 28 CT and 35 MR examinations were performed. The MR protocol included T1-weighting without and with contrast, T2-weighted, proton density and fat suppressing sequences.


RESULTS
Signs of chronic osteomyelitis were seen in plain films of 10 patients (50%), but the healing process was difficult to assess. Bone scintigraphy was positive in 12 patients (60%). In 14 patients (70%), CT could demonstrate bone lesions, but the healing process was difficult to estimate in 4 patients. MR imaging provided accurate diagnostic information in 15 cases (75%). In 16 patients (80%), small lesions could be identified due to grains, which seemed to differentiate mycetoma from other infections and tumorous lesions. MR examination gave definitive answer about the healing process in 18 cases (90%).


CONCLUSIONS
MR investigation was superior to the other imaging techniques in the evaluation of mycetoma and the assessment of therapy.
Czechowski
J
J
Department of Radiology, Tawam Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Nork
M
M
Haas
D
D
Lestringant
G
G
Ekelund
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008271:Mycetoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA