Radiography Spine Area of Interest Radiography is insensitive to the evaluation of the epidural space and to possible spinal cord compression and is therefore not useful as the initial imaging examination in patients presenting with neurologic compromise. As a complementary imaging study, radiography may help guide the imaging evaluation in those cases in which frank disc and vertebral body involvement by an infectious process is evident. Radiography can serve as a complementary test in order to assist with surgical management in those patients who may require surgical decompression and stabilization of the affected spinal segment [72]. 3-Phase Bone Scan There is no relevant literature regarding the use of bone scans in the initial imaging evaluation of a suspected spinal infection with a new neurologic deficit or cauda equina syndrome. WBC Scan and Sulfur Colloid Scan Complete Spine There is no relevant literature regarding the use of WBC scans in the initial imaging evaluation of a suspected spinal infection with a new neurologic deficit or cauda equina syndrome. Gallium Scan Whole Body There is no relevant literature regarding the use of gallium scans in the initial imaging evaluation of a suspected spinal infection with a new neurologic deficit or cauda equina syndrome. FDG-PET/CT Whole Body There is no relevant literature regarding the use of FDG-PET/CT in the initial imaging evaluation of a suspected spinal infection with a new neurologic deficit or cauda equina syndrome. Variant 4: Suspected spine infection (such as epidural abscess or discitis osteomyelitis), with decubitus ulcer or wound overlying spine. Initial imaging. Decubitus ulcers are often encountered at the level of the sacrum in chronically bedridden patients but may also be seen at other pressure sites along the back in immobile patients. When there is a clinical concern for possible spine infection extending from a decubitus ulcer or wound due to surgery or other causes [14], imaging may be necessary
Suspected Spine Infection PCAs. Radiography Spine Area of Interest Radiography is insensitive to the evaluation of the epidural space and to possible spinal cord compression and is therefore not useful as the initial imaging examination in patients presenting with neurologic compromise. As a complementary imaging study, radiography may help guide the imaging evaluation in those cases in which frank disc and vertebral body involvement by an infectious process is evident. Radiography can serve as a complementary test in order to assist with surgical management in those patients who may require surgical decompression and stabilization of the affected spinal segment [72]. 3-Phase Bone Scan There is no relevant literature regarding the use of bone scans in the initial imaging evaluation of a suspected spinal infection with a new neurologic deficit or cauda equina syndrome. WBC Scan and Sulfur Colloid Scan Complete Spine There is no relevant literature regarding the use of WBC scans in the initial imaging evaluation of a suspected spinal infection with a new neurologic deficit or cauda equina syndrome. Gallium Scan Whole Body There is no relevant literature regarding the use of gallium scans in the initial imaging evaluation of a suspected spinal infection with a new neurologic deficit or cauda equina syndrome. FDG-PET/CT Whole Body There is no relevant literature regarding the use of FDG-PET/CT in the initial imaging evaluation of a suspected spinal infection with a new neurologic deficit or cauda equina syndrome. Variant 4: Suspected spine infection (such as epidural abscess or discitis osteomyelitis), with decubitus ulcer or wound overlying spine. Initial imaging. Decubitus ulcers are often encountered at the level of the sacrum in chronically bedridden patients but may also be seen at other pressure sites along the back in immobile patients. When there is a clinical concern for possible spine infection extending from a decubitus ulcer or wound due to surgery or other causes [14], imaging may be necessary