title: Soft-Tissue Infections and Their Imaging Mimics: From Cellulitis to Necrotizing Fasciitis.
abstract: Infection of the musculoskeletal system can be associated with high mortality and morbidity if not promptly and accurately diagnosed. These infections are generally diagnosed and managed clinically; however, clinical and laboratory findings sometimes lack sensitivity and specificity, and a definite diagnosis may not be possible. In uncertain situations, imaging is frequently performed to confirm the diagnosis, evaluate the extent of the disease, and aid in treatment planning. In particular, cross-sectional imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, provides detailed anatomic information in the evaluation of soft tissues due to their inherent high spatial and contrast resolution. Imaging findings of soft-tissue infections can be nonspecific and can have different appearances depending on the depth and anatomic extent of tissue involvement. Although many imaging features of infectious disease can overlap with noninfectious processes, imaging can help establish the diagnosis when combined with the clinical history and laboratory findings. Radiologists should be familiar with the spectrum of imaging findings of soft-tissue infections to better aid the referring physician in managing these patients. The aim of this article is to review the spectrum of soft-tissue infections using a systematic anatomic compartment approach. We discuss the clinical features of soft-tissue infections, their imaging findings with emphasis on cross-sectional imaging, their potential mimics, and clinical management.©RSNA, 2016.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego Teleradiology and Education Center, 8899 University Center Ln, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92103 (M.R.H., B.K.H.); and Department of Radiology, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, Pa (P.Z., M.L.S., O.M.T.).
authors.forename: Mohammad Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Hayeri
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego Teleradiology and Education Center, 8899 University Center Ln, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92103 (M.R.H., B.K.H.); and Department of Radiology, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, Pa (P.Z., M.L.S., O.M.T.).
authors.forename: Pouya
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8311-1221
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ziai
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego Teleradiology and Education Center, 8899 University Center Ln, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92103 (M.R.H., B.K.H.); and Department of Radiology, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, Pa (P.Z., M.L.S., O.M.T.).
authors.forename: Monda L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Shehata
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego Teleradiology and Education Center, 8899 University Center Ln, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92103 (M.R.H., B.K.H.); and Department of Radiology, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, Pa (P.Z., M.L.S., O.M.T.).
authors.forename: Oleg M
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Teytelboym
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego Teleradiology and Education Center, 8899 University Center Ln, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92103 (M.R.H., B.K.H.); and Department of Radiology, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, Pa (P.Z., M.L.S., O.M.T.).
authors.forename: Brady K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D002481:Cellulitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D064847:Multimodal Imaging / Q000379:methods; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000379:methods; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*