MR imaging of the diabetic foot: diagnostic challenges.
Pedal complications of diabetes have long presented a challenge for the clinician and radiologist predominately related to the difficulty in distinguishing infection from neuroarthropathy. The spectrum of diabetic foot infections is broad, ranging from callous and ulcer formation, to septic arthritis, abscess formation, and osteomyelitis. This article summarizes the MR imaging findings in the diabetic foot and the optimal pulse sequences. Focus is placed on aids in differentiating diabetic infection from other entities and increasing the specificity of diagnosing diabetic foot complications.
Chatha
Deep S
DS
Department of Radiology, Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute, 301 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA. cathad01@med.nyu.edu
Cunningham
Patricia M
PM
Schweitzer
Mark E
ME
D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis; D002145:Callosities / Q000175:diagnosis; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis