A Comparison of the Diagnostic Value of MRI and F-FDG-PET/CT in Suspected Spondylodiscitis

Overview

Journal Infection

Date 2016 Jun 19

PMID 27317050

Citations 47

Authors

Carolijn Smids

Ilse J E Kouijzer

Fidel J Vos

Tom Sprong

Allard J F Hosman

Jacky W J de Rooy

Erik H J G Aarntzen

Lioe-Fee de Geus-Oei

Wim J G Oyen

Chantal P Bleeker-Rovers

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing spondylodiscitis and its complications, such as epidural and paraspinal abscesses.

Methods: From January 2006 to August 2013 patients with a clinical suspicion of spondylodiscitis, with an infection, or with fever of unknown origin were retrospectively included if F-FDG-PET/CT and MRI of the spine were performed within a 2-week time span. Imaging results were compared to the final clinical diagnosis and follow-up data were collected.

Results: Sixty-eight patients were included of whom 49 patients were diagnosed with spondylodiscitis. MRI showed an overall sensitivity of 67 % and specificity of 84 %. Diagnostic accuracy was 58 %, when MRI was performed within 2 weeks after the start of symptoms and improved to 82 %, when performed more than 2 weeks after onset of symptoms. F-FDG-PET/CT showed a sensitivity of 96 % and a specificity of 95 %, with no relation to the interval between the scan and the start of symptoms.

Conclusions: As compared to MRI, F-FDG-PET/CT has superior diagnostic value for detecting early spondylodiscitis. After 2 weeks both techniques perform similarly.

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