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Percutaneous inoculated rabbit model of intervertebral disc space infection: magnetic resonance imaging features with

Guillaume Bierry1, François Jehl, Gilles Prévost

  • 1Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. guillaume.bierry@chru-strasbourg.fr

Joint Bone Spine
|May 20, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reliably diagnoses vertebral infections in rabbits. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI provides earlier and more precise detection of infection extent and epidural involvement.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Radiology
  • Infectious Disease Imaging
  • Animal Models of Disease

Background:

  • Spondylodiscitis diagnosis in animal models requires reliable imaging techniques.
  • Percutaneous inoculation is a common method for creating experimental spondylodiscitis.
  • Evaluating the utility of MRI and contrast enhancement is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize MRI findings in a rabbit model of spondylodiscitis.
  • To assess MRI's efficacy for non-invasive diagnosis of vertebral infections.
  • To determine the added value of gadolinium-enhanced MRI sequences.

Main Methods:

  • 12 New Zealand White rabbits underwent percutaneous lumbar disc inoculation with bacterial suspension.
  • MRI (T1, T2, and contrast-enhanced) was performed at 5, 10, and 15 days post-inoculation.
  • Bacteriological and pathological analyses confirmed infection.

Main Results:

  • All animals developed disc space infections.
  • MRI detected vertebral abnormalities by day 5 and discal abnormalities by day 10.
  • Gadolinium enhancement improved diagnostic timing, assessed infection extent, and identified epidural involvement.
  • Vertebral signal changes were more reliable indicators of infection than discal changes.

Conclusions:

  • MRI is a dependable tool for diagnosing vertebral infections in rabbit models.
  • Gadolinium-enhanced MRI enables earlier and more precise infection detection and staging.
  • Vertebral signal modifications are key indicators for evaluating disc space infections.
  • This model can aid in comparing antimicrobial therapies before human trials.

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