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MR imaging of soft-tissue infection
1Department of Radiology, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, New York, USA.
Abstract:
MR imaging is the ideal technique to display the soft-tissue abnormalities produced by infectious processes. In general these soft-tissue alterations consist of signal intensity changes that reflect the increased water content of the soft tissues induced by the inflammatory reactions. In some cases these changes are nonspecific, but in others, MR imaging can be quite specific and helpful in detecting the presence and extent of the infection, which generally is suspected clinically on the basis of physical and laboratory findings. The MR manifestations of soft-tissue infection, including septic arthritis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, cellulitis, necrotizing fascitis, soft-tissue abscess, infectious myositis, HIV-related infection, lymphadenitis and lymphangitis, and a few unusual parasitic and fungal infections, are reviewed.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively reveals soft-tissue infections by detecting inflammation-induced signal changes. This technique aids in diagnosing various infections like cellulitis and abscesses, improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Soft-tissue infections present with inflammation, leading to increased water content.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a key diagnostic tool for visualizing these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the MR imaging manifestations of various soft-tissue infections.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of MR imaging in infectious processes.
Main Methods:
- Review of MR imaging findings in diverse soft-tissue infections.
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical and laboratory data.
Main Results:
- MR imaging demonstrates signal intensity alterations reflecting inflammatory edema in soft tissues.
- Findings can be nonspecific but often specific enough for diagnosis and extent evaluation.
- Specific infections reviewed include septic arthritis, cellulitis, abscesses, and myositis.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is invaluable for detecting and characterizing soft-tissue infections.
- The technique aids in differentiating infection from other soft-tissue abnormalities.
- Comprehensive review covers a range of infectious etiologies, including bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections.