ABSTRACT

Although spinal infections are rare, their morbidity and mortality are high in case of delay in diagnosis. Imaging methods have an important place in early diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is the examination with the highest sensitivity and specificity among radiological methods. Plain radiographs, computed tomography and nuclear medicine examinations may help diagnosis. Radiological findings of spinal infection may be confused with Modic type 1 degenaration, Schmorl nodule, fracture, metastasis, ankylosing spondilitis, SAPHO syndrome and neuropathic degenarative changes. When the diagnosis is made late, abscess may develop in the paravertebral muscles, epidural and subdural areas. Tuberculosis, brucellosis and fungal infections progress slowly and insidiously. Therefore, patients’ admission to the hospital may be delayed. Imaging methods should be used without delay in patients with suppressed immune systems and those living in endemic areas. In this review, we aim to provide information about how to interpret radiological findings in the early diagnosis, follow-up and differential diagnosis of spinal infections.