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Brodie abscess: MR imaging appearance in 10 patients
L Martí-Bonmatí1, F Aparisi, C Poyatos
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Hospital Dr Peset, Valencia, Spain.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals a characteristic "target" appearance for Brodie abscess in long bones. Vertebral Brodie abscesses show a less specific pattern on MRI, with only a peripheral halo consistently identified.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedic Imaging
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
Background:
- Brodie abscess, a subacute osteomyelitis, requires accurate diagnostic imaging.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of Brodie abscess are not fully characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the MR imaging characteristics of Brodie abscess in long bones and vertebrae.
- To identify specific imaging patterns that aid in diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MR imaging in ten patients diagnosed with Brodie abscess.
- Eight cases involved long bones, and two involved vertebrae.
- Analysis of signal intensities and layering patterns on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and STIR images.
Main Results:
- Long bone Brodie abscesses exhibited a distinct four-layer "target" appearance.
- This included central, inner ring, outer ring, and peripheral halo characteristics.
- Vertebral Brodie abscesses showed a less specific pattern, with a discernible peripheral halo in both cases.
- A soft-tissue mass was present in six of the eight long bone cases.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging demonstrates a characteristic "target" sign in long bone Brodie abscesses.
- The findings suggest MR imaging is valuable for diagnosing Brodie abscess.
- Further characterization of vertebral Brodie abscess imaging is warranted.