Epidural abscess MRI
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Epidural abscess Microchapters |
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Epidural abscess MRI On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Epidural abscess MRI |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]
Overview
MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of epidural abscess, as it is the preferred imaging study. Epidural abscess appears as a lentiform or crescent-shaped fluid collection. On T2-weighted images, epidural abscesses appear hyperintense compared to the cerebrospinal fluid. On T1-weighted images, epidural abscesses appear isointense or hypointense when compared to the brain. After administration of gadolinium contrast, the dura mater is enhanced on T1-weighted images.[1]
MRI
MRI is the preferred imaging study in the diagnosis of epidural abscess. MRI is considered to be as effective as myelography in the diagnosis of epidural abscess, however MRI is superior, particularly in emergency situations, as it allows for visualization of the spinal cord in all planes without having to move the patient, who might have a neurological injury.[2] Epidural abscess appears as a lentiform or crescent-shaped fluid collection. On T2-weighted images, epidural abscesses appear hyperintense compared to the cerebrospinal fluid. On T1-weighted images, epidural abscesses appear isointense or hypointense when compared to the brain. After administration of gadolinium contrast, the dura mater is enhanced on T1-weighted images.[3]
Intracranial Epidural Abscess
MRI is the preferred imaging method to investigate intracranial epidural abscess because it has higher accuracy defining intracranial lesions, compared to CT scan.
Spinal Epidural Abscess
MRI with gadolinium contrast is the preferred method to aid in the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess, as it distinguishes the longitudinal and paraspinal extensions of the abscess, allowing for an improved neurosurgical approach. It is also helpful in differentiating an abscess from malignancy.[2][5]
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References
- ↑ Longo, Dan L. (Dan Louis) (2012). Harrison's principles of internal medici. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-174889-6.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Grewal, S. (2006). "Epidural abscesses". British Journal of Anaesthesia. 96 (3): 292–302. doi:10.1093/bja/ael006. ISSN 0007-0912.
- ↑ Longo, Dan L. (Dan Louis) (2012). Harrison's principles of internal medici. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-174889-6.
- ↑ Image courtesy of Dr Bita Abbasi. Radiopaedia (original file "here"). Creative Commons BY-SA-NC
- ↑ Darouiche, Rabih O. (2006). "Spinal Epidural Abscess". New England Journal of Medicine. 355 (19): 2012–2020. doi:10.1056/NEJMra055111. ISSN 0028-4793.
- ↑ Image courtesy of Dr Frank Gaillard. Radiopaedia (original file "here"). Creative Commons BY-SA-NC