MR imaging fails to detect bone marrow oedema in osteomyelitis: report of two cases

Abstract

Bone marrow oedema is the earliest and most sensitive sign in diagnostic imaging of osteomyelitis. In the two demonstrated cases of acute and chronic osteomyelitis, MRI was not able to detect bone marrow oedema due to accompanying haemosiderosis and sclerosis surrounding a bone abscess.

Chronic Osteomyelitis in Childhood: Is Surgery Always Indicated?

“…bone marrow edema [17,18]. Bone marrow edema is sometimes missing in chronic osteomyelitis, but may be present in bone malignancy [17][18][19]. MR imaging is able to detect joint infection, abscesses and osteonecrosis [19].…”

“…MR imaging, however, demonstrates the most sensitive sign of osteomyelitis, i.e. bone marrow edema [17,18]. Bone marrow edema is sometimes missing in chronic osteomyelitis, but may be present in bone malignancy [17][18][19].…”