Abstract
This article examines the importance of radiological imaging in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory spinal diseases. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis frequently cause spine pathologies. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are critical tools in diagnosing these diseases. While CT provides detailed imaging of bone structures, MRI, with its high soft tissue resolution, detects early inflammatory changes. MRI also plays a significant role in distinguishing between infectious and non-infectious spinal diseases. This article highlights how radiological findings relate to clinical symptoms and influence treatment strategies. In conclusion, MRI and CT are indispensable in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory spinal diseases, and clinicians must effectively utilize these tools to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Keywords: Inflammation, spine, spondylitis, imaging, MRI
References
Dhodapkar MM, Patel T, Rubio DR. Imaging in spinal infections: current status and future directions.N Am Spine Soc J. 2023; 16: 100275.
Wolf M, Weber MA. Inflammatory and infectious disorders of the spine: imaging approach. In clinical neuroradiology.Springer International Publishing. 2019: 1-29.
Wilson DJ, de Abreu M. Spine degeneration and inflammation. In IDKD springer series.Springer International Publishing.2021: 197-213.
Ostergaard M, Lambert RG. Imaging in ankylosing spondylitis.Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2012; 4: 301-11.
Braun J, van der Heijde D. Imaging and scoring in ankylosing spondylitis.Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2002; 16: 573-604.
McQueen F, Lassere M, Østergaard M. Magnetic resonance imaging in psoriatic arthritis: a review of the literature.Arthritis Res Ther.2006; 8: 207.
Sudoł-Szopińska I, Jans L, Teh J. Rheumatoid arthritis: what do MRI and ultrasound show.J Ultrason. 2017; 17: 5-16.
Salaffi F, Ceccarelli L, Carotti M, Di Carlo M, Polonara G, Facchini G, et al. Differentiation between infectious spondylodiscitis versus inflammatory or degenerative spinal changes: How can magnetic resonance imaging help the clinician?Radiol Med.2021; 126: 843-59.
Huang M, Schweitzer ME. The role of radiology in the evolution of the understanding of articular disease.Radiology. 2014; 273: S1-22.
Raghavan M, Lazzeri E, Palestro CJ. Imaging of spondylodiscitis.Semin Nucl Med. 2018; 48: 131-47.


