Imaging of spondylodiscitis.
BACKGROUND
Spinal infections (pyogenic or non-pyogenic) are increasing in incidence and are a common cause of morbidity in high-risk patients (elderly, immunocompromised patients, diabetic patients, drug addicts, and patients with sickle-cell disease).


OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the radiological features of spinal infections, focusing on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and to illustrate the differential diagnosis.


METHODS
We reviewed the spine imaging of 118 patients with spinal infections from our files. All patients underwent radiography and MR imaging examinations. computed tomography (CT) was performed in 96 patients.


RESULTS
MR imaging has greatly contributed to prompt diagnosis, thus allowing implementation of timely appropriate treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious bone and joint destruction, and severe neurologic sequelae.
Department of Bioimaging and Radiological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. a.leonemd@tiscali.it
A
A
Leone
C
C
Dell'Atti
N
N
Magarelli
P
P
Colelli
A
A
Balanika
R
R
Casale
L
L
Bonomo
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015299:Discitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed