Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
High Spatial Resolution Chemical Imaging of Implant-Associated Infections with X-ray Excited Luminescence Chemical Imaging Through Tissue
Published on: September 30, 2022
The role of radiologic evaluation in necrotizing soft tissue infections
Stefan Walter Leichtle1, Lily Tung, Moazzam Khan
1From the University of Southern California, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Background:
The role of diagnostic imaging in suspected necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) is not clear owing to concerns about its value and possible delays in definitive surgical care.
Methods:
Plain radiograph (XR) and computed tomography (CT) results of all patients who underwent operative debridement for a presumed NSTI from 2007 through 2014 at LAC + USC Medical Center were reviewed. Preoperative imaging was classified as being negative, suspicious (inflammatory changes), or diagnostic (soft tissue gas) for NSTI.
Results:
Of 226 patients undergoing operative exploration for a suspected NSTI, 172 (76.1%) were found to have a true NSTI based on intraoperative or pathology findings. In patients with true NSTI, preoperative XR and CT demonstrated soft tissue gas in 47.9% and 70.3% of cases, respectively. CT diagnosed or highly suspected NSTI in 97.3% of cases with true NSTI compared to 83.6% with XR; p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
CT was superior to XR in the radiologic evaluation of patients with suspected NSTIs.
Level Of Evidence:
Diagnostic test, level IV.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and 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...