CT evaluation of mandibular osteomyelitis

Comparison of conventional radiography and computed tomography as aids in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in 11 foals

BACKGROUND

Conventional radiography is currently the most common imaging modality used by veterinarians investigating foals with suspected osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence in adult horses and humans suggests computed tomography (CT) is a superior modality for evaluation of osseous changes in general. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of CT versus conventional radiography in cases of osteomyelitis in foals.

METHODS

Cases of osteomyelitis in foals under 6 months of age admitted over a 6-year period at a single referral hospital that had both CT and conventional radiography images were retrieved. Case details and measurements of the largest area of bone lysis identified in two planes (lateromedial/sagittal and dorsopalmar/dorsal) were evaluated by three veterinarians with a range of experience.

RESULTS

A significant difference regarding lesion size was seen on the lateromedial (LM) radiographic projections compared with the equivalent sagittal plane CT image. The LM radiographic evaluation resulted in a 37% underestimation of the area of the lesion. Additionally, use of the LM radiographic projections were 2.5-fold more variable in the measurement area compared with CT. In general, regardless of projection, CT produced more information regarding lesion area and, in some cases, detected osseous changes that were not evident on the radiographs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

LM radiographic projections are less reliable and commonly result in an under-appreciation of lesion size and extent. CT detected lesions that were difficult or impossible to identify on radiographs and may allow improved treatment planning.

The Many Faces of Osteomyelitis: A Pictorial Review

The purpose of this pictorial review is to present an overview of the radioclinical features of osteomyelitis.

The presentation of the disease may vary depending on the clinical stage (acute, subacute and chronic), the pathogenesis of the infection and the age of the patient. Thorough knowledge of the basic pathophysiological mechanisms is a prerequisite to understanding the variable imaging appearance of osteomyelitis.

Special subtypes of osteomyelitis including CRMO and SAPHO will be discussed very shortly.

Imaging characteristics of benign, malignant, and infectious jaw lesions: a pictorial review

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to describe the indications and appropriate imaging studies for various jaw tumors and tumorlike lesions, the imaging findings, the differential diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options.

CONCLUSION

It is important for radiologists to recognize the indications and appropriate imaging studies for various jaw lesions. Radiography is typically used for first-line imaging. If necessary, it is followed by CT for evaluation of osseous lesions and MRI for characterization of soft-tissue lesions.