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Brucellar spondylitis: MRI findings
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals specific features of spinal brucellosis. Key indicators include vertebral and disc involvement, soft tissue swelling, and facet joint signal changes, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Spinal brucellosis is a challenging diagnosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for evaluating spinal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific MRI features of spinal brucellosis.
- To differentiate brucellar spondylitis from other spinal pathologies.
Main Methods:
- MRI examinations were performed on 14 patients with spinal brucellosis using a 1-T Magnetom.
- T1-weighted and T2-weighted spin echo sequences were acquired in sagittal and axial planes.
- Image analysis focused on vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, and soft tissues.
Main Results:
- 33% of vertebrae and 18 disc levels were involved.
- Anterior superior vertebral body involvement was noted in 79.8% of discitis cases.
- Soft tissue swelling without abscess formation occurred in 77.7% of discitis levels.
- Facet joint signal enhancement after contrast was observed in 5 patients.
Conclusions:
- Vertebral signal changes, disc signal increase, and soft tissue swelling without abscess are specific MRI findings for brucellar spondylitis.
- Facet joint signal changes post-contrast enhancement represent a novel MRI sign of spinal brucellosis.