Utility of sagittal MR imaging of the whole spine in cases of known or suspected single-level spinal infection: Overkill or good clinical practice?

Objective: Multi-sequence sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the entire spine is performed in patients with known single level spondylodiscitis. Our objective is to determine the frequency of multifocal infection.

Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective five-year review of all patients with spondylodiscitis was performed.

Results: MRI identified 82 patients with single-level infection. All 82 had entire spine imaging performed within 72 h of admission, showing additional non-continuous sites of infection in 19 patients (23%). Remote levels of spondylodiscitis were present in 11 patients (13%).

Conclusion: Multi-sequence sagittal MRI of the entire spine may be helpful in patients with known single-level spine infection.