MRI features of the intervertebral suppurative spondylitis / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore MRI findings of intervertebral suppurative spondylitis. Methods MRI findings of intervertebral suppurative spondylitis in 12 cases proved by surgery and 6 cases defined by clinical features were retrospectively analyzed. The MRI protocol included un-enhanced conventional scan in 18 cases and contrast-enhanced scan in 11 cases. Results Of the 18 cases, single focus was found in 16 cases, and multiple loci were seen in 2 cases. MRI findings included (1) Disappearance sign of nuclear crevice in 17 cases, accumulated fluid sign of intervertebral disc in 15 cases, intervertebral disc perforation in 4 cases, and intervertebral space narrowing in 7 cases. (2) Bone destruction under end plate and marrow oedema were shown in 18 cases, 17 cases had end plate destruction, 16 cases had covered sign of end plate.(3) Paraspinal soft tissue swelling was shown in 18 cases, in which thick wall microabscess was formed in 4 cases. (4) Vertebral canal was involved in 12 cases, vertebral canal abscess was formed in 5 cases.(5) Lump enhancement was demonstrated in 4 cases, nodular enhancement in 2, and ring-like enhancement in 2, respectively. No enhancement was seen in 3 cases. Dural sac linear enhancement was shown in 6 cases, and patchy enhancement in the anterior dural sac was shown in 10 cases. Conclusion Intervertebral suppurative spondytitis had characteristic MRI findings, and the key to correct diagnosis was to combine MRI finding with clinical characteristics.