Will a MRI show an infection in the spine?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for initial diagnosis of spinal infections, with reported sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 93% for an accuracy of 94%2, 4.

What does an infection in the spine look like on an MRI?

In most cases of spinal infection, MR images show typical findings such as vertebral endplate destruction, bone marrow and disk signal abnormalities, and paravertebral or epidural abscesses.

What is the most common cause of discitis?

Discitis is usually caused by an infection that develops in one of the spine’s vertebral bones and/or intervertebral discs. Often, discitis is a bacterial infection, but it may be viral.

What is discitis of the spine?

Discitis is a disease, as the “itis” would indicate, of infection of the discs between the vertebra of the spine. Like appendicitis, discitis is usually a bacterial infection but may be viral.

How is spinal infection diagnosed?

It can take a month or more to diagnose a spinal infection. Diagnostic tests include bloodwork to identify whether an infection is present and imaging tests to pinpoint the exact location and extent of the issue. Imaging tests typically include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scan.

How long can you live with spinal infection?

The infection in the spinal canal is the most severe, and can lead to paralysis or fatality within 48–72 hours if the condition is not diagnosed and treated quickly.

Can Discitis be fatal?

Relatively uncommon, only one out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. will develop discitis. It is more common in children and adolescents, but can still occur in adults. Despite treatment advances, discitis remains potentially deadly.

How serious is a spine infection?

If left untreated, spine infection can lead to paralysis or even fatality. Signs of spine infection include back pain, fever and a stiff back as well as possible swelling or inflammation of the spine, sensory deficit or numb, motor weakness or paralysis. Prof.