title: Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal infection.
abstract: This article reviews the pathophysiology of spinal infection and its relevance for imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality with by far the best sensitivity and specificity for spinal infection. The imaging appearances of spinal infection in MRI are outlined, and imaging techniques are discussed. The problems of clinical diagnosis are outlined. There is some emphasis on the MRI differentiation of pyogenic and nonpyogenic infection and on the differential diagnosis of spinal infection centered on the imaging presentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, United Kingdom. Bernhard.Tins@rjah.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Bernhard J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Tins
authors.forename: Victor N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Cassar-Pullicino
authors.forename: Radhesh K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Lalam
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D009187:Myelitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013116:Spinal Cord