A case report of Spinal Epidural Abscess with spondylitis

Evaluation using MR Imaging

Abstract

Spinal Epidural Abscess (SEA) is a rare infectious disease and often misleading to a delayed diagnosis. This delay may be disastrous, and result in permanent neurologic dysfunction or death.
We evaluated SEA with spondylitis using MR Imaging by Field Echo method (TR 400, TE 23, Flip Angle 15°) occasionally. The appearance of MR imaging shows 1) high intensity which corresponds with abscess and inflammation, 2) decrease of high intensity which represents restoration of inflammation, and 3) low intensity which represents the sclerotic change of parainflammatory area. MR Imaging by Field Echo method is useful for the diagnosis of SEA.