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Updated: May 21, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Imaging of spine infection
1Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Diehn.felix@mayo.edu
Radiologic Clinics of North America
|May 31, 2012
Summary
Spine infections, including spondylodiscitis and abscesses, require early diagnosis for better outcomes. This review highlights imaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, for diagnosing these serious conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Medicine
Background:
- Spine infections are increasing in incidence and diagnostic frequency.
- These infections, though relatively rare, can be life-threatening.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the imaging and clinical aspects of extradural spinal infections.
- To emphasize the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis.
- To discuss the radiologist's contribution to minimally invasive sampling.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging modalities for spinal infections.
- Focus on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings.
- Discussion of clinical presentations and diagnostic criteria.
Main Results:
- Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a primary focus.
- Epidural/subdural abscesses, facet joint infections, and pyomyositis are discussed.
- Nonpyogenic granulomatous infections are also addressed.
Conclusions:
- Accurate imaging, especially MRI, is vital for diagnosing spinal infections.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention significantly improve outcomes.
- Radiologists play a key role in both diagnosis and guided sampling procedures.
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