Imaging of Spine Infection

Spine infection may involve the vertebral bodies with or without involvement of the intervertebral disc (spondylitis or spondylodiscitis), the posterior neural elements, the paraspinal soft tissues, and the spinal canal including the epidural space, the meninges, the spinal cord, and the nerve roots.1-3 Bacteria are the most common causes of extradural and intradural extramedullary infection, whereas viruses are most frequently responsible for intramedullary infections.2 The incidence of spinal infection is 0.2-2 cases per 100,000 per year, with a peak in the sixth decade.

Source: Seminars in Roentgenology - May 20, 2016 Category: Radiology Authors: Carlos Torres, Nader Zakhari Source Type: research