Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2015
ReviewPathologic basis of pyogenic, nonpyogenic, and other spondylitis and discitis.
Pyogenic spondylitis and discitis are usually seen following a recent infection or surgery. A septic embolus causes an infarcted area within the bone. Pyogenic spondylitis is characterized by edema, vascular leakage, and supportive inflammatory reaction characterized with polymorphonuclear leukocytes. ⋯ Mycobacterium tuberculosis can be shown by histochemical stains for acid-fast bacteria or by immunochemistry. In brucella spondylitis, microgranulomatous proliferation composed of histiocytes containing numerous bacilli without caseating necrosis is characteristic. Brucella melitensis can be shown on histochemical Gram stain.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2015
Review Case ReportsImage guided interventions in spinal infections.
Spinal infections are challenging to diagnose and represent a life-threatening medical condition. Diagnosis is often delayed because of nonspecific accompanying symptoms. The role of interventional neuroradiology in spinal infection is double: diagnostic and therapeutic, consisting substantially of 2 main procedures, represented by spine biopsies and positioning of percutaneous drainage, which represent a minimally invasive, faster and more cost-effective alternative to open surgery procedures. This article will focus on the available state-of-the-art techniques to perform discovertebral image-guided biopsies in case of suspected infections and on image-guided placement of percutaneous drainage to treat infectious collections of the spine and paravertebral structures.
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The pathologic evaluation of spinal cord infections requires comprehensive clinical, radiological, and laboratory correlation, because the histologic findings in acute, chronic, or granulomatous infections rarely provide clues for the specific cause. This brief review focuses on the pathologic mechanisms as well as practical issues in the diagnosis and reporting of infections of the spinal cord. Examples are provided of the common infectious agents and methods for their diagnosis. By necessity, discussion is restricted to the infections of the medulla spinalis proper and its meninges, and not bone or soft tissue infections.
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The imaging features of spinal parasitic diseases and other rare infections are herein discussed. These diseases are distributed worldwide, with increased prevalence in areas with poor sanitary conditions and in developing countries. ⋯ Infectious diseases are usually treatable, and early detection is often crucial. A thorough comprehension of the imaging patterns associated with the clinical features, epidemiology, and laboratory results allows the radiologist to narrow down the options for differential diagnosis and facilitates the timely implementation of appropriate therapies.
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Spinal infection is rare. Clinical suspicion is important in patients with nonmechanical neck and/or back pain to make the proper diagnosis in early disease. Before planning surgery, a thorough evaluation of the spinal stability, alignment, and deformity is necessary. ⋯ Biomechanical preservation of the spinal column during and after the infection is a significant issue. Postoperative spine infection is another entity of which spinal surgeons should be aware of. Proper septic conditions with meticulous planning of surgery are essential for successful spine surgery and better outcome.