MR imaging of spinal infection: atypical features, interpretative pitfalls and potential mimickers

The wide variability of MR features in spinal infection reflects rare distribution of discovertebral involvement, unexpected soft-tissue and bone abnormalities, unusual complications or uncommon pathogens. In addition, several degenerative and inflammatory entities can clinically and radiologically resemble spinal infection. In this pictorial review, we illustrate the various atypical features that may be found in MR imaging of spinal infection, with emphasis on interpretative pitfalls and common mimickers.