[Clinical value of MR tomography of spondylodiscitis in ankylosing spondylitis]

The extent of bone marrow edema seems relevant in assessing the activity of discovertebral destructions in ankylosing spondylitis using highly T2-weighted images. Twenty-one patients showing 32 discovertebral lesions in total were examined by MR-imaging. Radiological progression of destruction is significantly connected with the extent of bone marrow edema. Areas of probable progression can be visualized, which is especially valuable in polysegmental distribution. MR-imaging of discovertebral lesions facilitates the planning of therapy, particularly concerning surgical stabilization.