MRI OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INFECTIONS
JAVIER BELTRAN

RESUMO
Evaluation of musculoskeletal infections requires both T1
weighted images (T1 WI) with short TR/TE, and proton
density/T2 weighted images (PD/T2WI), with long TR/
short and long TE. Fat suppression techniques such as
short thau inversion recovery (STIR) or chemical sift
imaging, are excellent for delineating the extent of the
inflammatory changes. At least two imaging planes
should be obtained for accurate depiction of the infection.
In anatomically complex areas such as the pelvis, spine,
foot and hand, 3 planes may be necessary. Surface coil
imaging is strongly recommended whenever possible.