MR imaging of spinal infection: atypical features, interpretive pitfalls and potential mimickers.
The wide variability of MR features in spinal infection reflects rare distribution of discovertebral involvement, unexpected soft-tissue and bone abnormalities, un-usual complications or uncommon pathogens. In addition, several de-generative and inflammatory entities can clinically and radiologically resemble spinal infection. In this pictorial review, we illustrate the various atypical features that may be found in MR imaging of spinal infection,with emphasis on interpretative pit-falls and common mimickers.
Mellado
José M
JM
Institut de Diagnóstic per la Imatge, Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain. rmidi@hjxxiii.scs.es
Pérez del Palomar
L
L
Camins
A
A
Salvadó
E
E
Ramos
A
A
Saurí
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008488:Medical Illustration; D008875:Middle Aged; D010007:Osteochondritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000175:diagnosis