IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Discitis osteomyelitis

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Patient presenting with lower limb weakness.

Patient Data

Age: Adult
mri

MRI demonstrates features consistent with C5/6 discitis osteomyelitis with cord compression. Note that on the images provided there is no evidence of an epidural abscess. Rather, the whole epidural mass enhances homogeneously consistent with an epidural phlegmon. 

Case Discussion

The patient went on to have surgical decompression confirming the presence of infection. Microbiology demonstrated gram-positive cocci. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.