Melioidosis: Spectrum of Radiological Manifestations

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a globally expanding bacterial infection.
• It commonly affects adults with diabetes mellitus, while younger patients often present with skin and soft tissue involvement.
• The lungs and spleen are the most frequently affected organs, but nearly every organ can be involved.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a pictorial review of the radiological manifestations of melioidosis.
• To enhance radiologists' knowledge for earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
• To highlight melioidosis as a mimicker in radiological imaging.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of radiological manifestations in 139 culture-proven melioidosis patients.
• Selection of illustrated examples from 15 years of clinical experience at the National University Hospital, Singapore.
• Focus on diverse radiological presentations to showcase the disease's mimetic nature.

Main Results:

• Melioidosis exhibits a wide spectrum of radiological appearances across various organs.
• Radiological findings can mimic other infectious or inflammatory conditions, complicating diagnosis.
• The study illustrates common and uncommon radiological patterns associated with melioidosis.

Conclusions:

• A high index of clinical suspicion is vital for diagnosing melioidosis, particularly in patients from or with travel history to endemic regions.
• Radiologists play a key role in identifying potential melioidosis based on its varied imaging features.
• This pictorial review serves as a valuable resource for recognizing melioidosis in clinical practice.