Infections of the spinal column--spondylodiscitis.
Infectious spondylodiscitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies due to the introduction of a pyogen, usually by the haematogenous route. Plain film radiography (which is usually normal in the early stages) shows blurring of the vertebral endplates and a loss of disc height that progresses quickly. MRI is the examination of choice, as it detects oedema within the trabecular bone very early, before the onset of destruction. Injection of a contrast medium with fat signal saturation improves detection and visualisation of the spread of infection in the soft tissue and epidural space. Imaging can also be used to guide a needle aspiration to investigate the infective agent.
Central medical imaging department, Purpan University Hospital, place du Dr Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France. sans.n@chu-toulouse.fr
N
N
Sans
M
M
Faruch
F
F
Lapègue
A
A
Ponsot
H
H
Chiavassa
J-J
JJ
Railhac
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D015299:Discitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult
D003287:Contrast Media