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MR features of tuberculous osteomyelitis
1Saral MRI, E-1073, Saraswati Vihar, Pitampura, Delhi 110034, India. pranshusharma@hotmail.com
Skeletal Radiology
|April 8, 2003
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify tuberculous osteomyelitis by showing specific bone lesions and associated soft-tissue abscesses. These findings aid in diagnosing this bone infection.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Tuberculous osteomyelitis is a rare but serious bone infection.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on characteristic imaging findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of tuberculous osteomyelitis.
- To correlate imaging findings with histopathological confirmation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR imaging in 11 patients with confirmed tuberculous osteomyelitis.
- Analysis of osseous and adjacent soft-tissue changes on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images.
Main Results:
- Two lesion types identified: predominantly low signal intensity on T1/T2-weighted images, or lesions with a higher signal intensity rim on T1-weighted images.
- Soft-tissue abscesses and marrow edema were present in 8/11 patients; soft-tissue edema was common.
Conclusions:
- Intermediate to low signal intensity osseous lesions on T2-weighted images with soft-tissue abscesses suggest tuberculous osteomyelitis.
- A T1-weighted rim of increased signal intensity may indicate an infective process, including tuberculosis.