Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Br J Radiol. 2023 Dec;96(1152):20230551. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20230551. Epub 2023 Oct 24.
MRI is the most sensitive and specific imaging method for the detection of advanced spinal infections. However, the differential diagnosis of early spinal infection and Modic Type I degenerative changes based on conventional MRI is difficult clinically, as they both may mimic each other by showing hypointensity on weighted images and hyperintensity on weighted spine MRI images. This review summarizes recent advancements in MRI, which may be useful in discriminating degenerative Modic Type I endplate changes from early spinal infection, and evaluates the diagnostic accuracy and limitations of MRI. We aim to provide indications for early differential diagnosis to help initiate appropriate treatment in a timely manner so that associated complications can be avoided.
磁共振成像(MRI)是检测晚期脊柱感染最敏感、最特异的影像学方法。然而,临床中基于常规 MRI 很难对早期脊柱感染和 Modic 型 1 型退行性改变进行鉴别诊断,因为它们在 T1 加权像上都可能表现为低信号,在 T2 加权脊柱 MRI 图像上都可能表现为高信号,二者可能表现相似。本综述总结了 MRI 的最新进展,这些进展可能有助于鉴别退行性 Modic 型 1 终板改变与早期脊柱感染,同时评估 MRI 的诊断准确性和局限性。我们旨在为早期鉴别诊断提供依据,帮助及时启动恰当的治疗,从而避免相关并发症。