Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Imaging CD19+ B Cells in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model using Positron Emission Tomography
09:41

Imaging CD19+ B Cells in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model using Positron Emission Tomography

Published on: January 20, 2023

2.5K

Positron emission tomography in spinal infections

Alexandros Georgakopoulos1, Spiros G Pneumaticos2, Nikolaos V Sipsas3

  • 1Nuclear Medicine Division, PET/CT section, Foundation for Biomedical Research of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Clinical Imaging
|April 28, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging is best for diagnosing spinal infections in unoperated patients. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography aids in differentiating spinal infections from Modic changes and identifying infection activity, especially in patients with implants.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Spinal infections pose diagnostic challenges, particularly in patients with metallic implants or prosthetic replacements.
  • Distinguishing between spinal infection and other conditions like Modic changes can be difficult with conventional imaging.
  • Accurate assessment of infection activity and treatment response is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing spinal infections.
  • To assess the utility of 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in specific diagnostic scenarios.
  • To highlight the clinical impact and superiority of advanced imaging techniques in managing infectious spondylitis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing spinal infection in unoperated cases.
  • Evaluation of 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) for differentiating spinal infection from Modic changes in patients with implants.
  • Assessment of FDG-PET/CT for differentiating tuberculous from pyogenic spondylitis and for monitoring treatment response.

Main Results:

  • MRI is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing spinal infections in non-operative cases.
  • FDG-PET/CT is recommended for distinguishing spinal infection from Modic changes in patients with metallic implants and for differentiating tuberculous from pyogenic spondylitis.
  • FDG-PET/CT demonstrates significant clinical impact, superior ability to reveal residual disease, and early response to therapy compared to other techniques.

Conclusions:

  • Advanced imaging techniques, particularly FDG-PET/CT, offer significant advantages in diagnosing and managing spinal infections.
  • FDG-PET/CT plays a vital role in complex cases involving implants and differentiating infectious etiologies.
  • Ongoing research into new tracers and hybrid modalities promises further advancements in imaging spinal infections.
Keywords:
(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucoseImagingNuclear medicinePositron emission tomographySpinal infection

More Related Videos

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for In Vivo Measuring of Myelin Content in the Lysolecithin Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis08:40

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for In Vivo Measuring of Myelin Content in the Lysolecithin Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: February 28, 2021

4.6K
In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection08:03

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection

Published on: June 23, 2020

2.9K

Related Concept Videos

Positron Emission Tomography01:29

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...
8.1K
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy01:25

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET
779
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
663