Paravertebral inflammation mistaken for neoplasm or abscess by MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful procedure for the evaluation of spinal pathology in children. The high sensitivity of soft tissue changes may lead to misinterpretation of paravertebral swelling caused by inflammation. We present a report of three patients with paravertebral soft tissue swelling caused by disk space infection or intervertebral disk space calcification. The findings shown by MRI were initially interpreted as neoplasm or abscess, which led to surgical procedures either planned or done. Surgeons need to exercise extreme care when interpreting soft tissue changes shown by MRI.