Imaging of spine infection.
This article reviews the imaging and relevant clinical details of infection of the extradural spine. Spine infections are increasing in incidence and in frequency of diagnosis. They are clinically important despite their relative rarity, because they may be life-threatening, and because early diagnosis leads to improved outcomes. The focus is on pyogenic spondylodiscitis. The also typically pyogenic conditions of epidural and subdural abscess, facet joint infection, and pyomyositis are discussed. Nonpyogenic, granulomatous infections are also addressed. Magnetic resonance imaging is emphasized. The radiologist's role in performing minimally invasive sampling procedures is highlighted.
Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Diehn.felix@mayo.edu
Felix E
FE
Diehn
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015299:Discitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium