MRI typing and clinical significance of adult non-specific pyogenic spondylitis / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze MRI features of non-specific pyogenic spondylitis (PS) in adult, and to propose a new classification of PS. Methods Data of 34 patients with PS confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed. The classification was based on the location of lesions and MRI performances of the involved spine columns. Results: According to MRI performances, PS were divided into type - Type PS (n=2), simple bone erosion/destruction/edema of vertebral endplates without involving corresponding intervertebral disc; type Ⅱ, pyogenic discitis (n=2), simple discitis without involvement of vertebral bodies; type III, pyogenic spondylodiscitis (n=27), spondylodiscitis involving both intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies, and 21 cases with secondary epidural phlegmon; type , pyogenic facet joint infection (n=2), with epidural phlegmon/abscess and leptomeningitis; type , compound type (n=1), simultaneous trans-segments involved type III and type together. Conclusion: MRI can accurately show the location and extent of the involvement of PS. MRI classification is beneficial to improve understanding of the pathological mechanism and diagnostic ability of PS.