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Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Diagnostic difficulties resulting from morphological image variation in spondylodiscitis MR imaging
Ewa Dziurzyńska-Białek1, Joanna Kruk-Bachonko, Wiesław Guz
1Department of Radiology in Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland.
Polish Journal of Radiology
|October 11, 2012
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals diverse morphological variations in spondylodiscitis, aiding diagnosis. This study highlights various pathologies associated with spinal infections, crucial for effective patient management.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Spinal infection, including discitis and spondylodiscitis, presents diverse pathologies.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the preferred method for visualizing spondylodiscitis.
- MR imaging offers detailed anatomical insights, particularly of the epidural space and spinal cord.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate the morphological variations of spondylodiscitis observed in magnetic resonance imaging.
- To enhance understanding of the spectrum of pathologies associated with spinal infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis between October 2009 and October 2011.
- All patients underwent MRI examinations before and after contrast enhancement.
- CT examinations were performed in three patients for additional assessment.
Main Results:
- MRI confirmed typical spondylodiscitis symptoms and revealed various morphological variations.
- Pathologies included spinal cord compression from epidural masses, abscesses (lung, pyothorax, paravertebral, intervertebral, iliopsoas), and epidural empyemas.
- Observed vertebral destruction with endplate changes, cortical discontinuity, pathological fractures, and liquefactive necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Spondylodiscitis exhibits significant morphological variations on radiological images.
- Progressive spinal destruction, reactive bone changes, and soft tissue infiltration are common.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating radiological findings with clinical and laboratory data.
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