Utility of sagittal MR imaging of the whole spine in cases of known or suspected single-level spinal infection: Overkill or good clinical practice?

Publication date: September–October 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 51
Author(s): Mougnyan Cox, Brian Curtis, Manisha Patel, Victor Babatunde, Adam E. Flanders
ObjectiveMulti-sequence sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the entire spine is performed in patients with known single level spondylodiscitis. Our objective is to determine the frequency of multifocal infection.MethodsAfter IRB approval, a retrospective five-year review of all patients with spondylodiscitis was performed.ResultsMRI identified 82 patients with single-level infection. All 82 had entire spine imaging performed within 72 h of admission, showing additional non-continuous sites of infection in 19 patients (23%). Remote levels of spondylodiscitis were present in 11 patients (13%).ConclusionMulti-sequence sagittal MRI of the entire spine may be helpful in patients with known single-level spine infection.



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