Related Experiment Videos
Reactive bone marrow changes in infectious spondylitis: quantitative assessment with MR imaging
1Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Munich, Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, D-81377 Munich, Germany. axel.staebler@ikra.med.uni.muenchen.de
Radiology
|December 9, 2000
Summary
Infectious spondylitis can cause reactive bone marrow changes in unaffected vertebrae, detectable by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. These changes, indicated by increased signal intensity and percentage enhancement, mimic other bone marrow disorders.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Bone Marrow Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infectious spondylitis is a serious spinal infection.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Understanding bone marrow changes aids in diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate diffuse, reactive bone marrow changes in unaffected vertebrae using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
- To assess MR imaging findings in patients with infectious spondylitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of contrast-enhanced MR images from 22 patients with infectious spondylitis and 86 controls.
- Calculation of percentage signal intensity increase (percentage enhancement) in unaffected bone marrow.
- Statistical analysis using multiple regression and Student t test.
Main Results:
- Age and presence of spondylitis significantly influenced bone marrow percentage enhancement (P < .001).
- Patients with infectious spondylitis showed higher mean percentage enhancement compared to controls, particularly those younger than 35.
- 27% of patients with infectious spondylitis exhibited abnormal percentage enhancement in unaffected marrow.
Conclusions:
- Reactive bone marrow changes are identifiable in unaffected vertebrae of patients with infectious spondylitis on MR images.
- Increased signal intensity and percentage enhancement in these changes resemble findings in myeloproliferative disorders, neoplastic conditions, and hemolytic anemia.