Investigating the Correlation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Spondylodiscitis

Abstract

Background and Aim: Spondylodiscitis is a rare but serious infection of the intervertebral disc and the endplate of the vertebrae. Various causes have been described for this disease, one of which is iatrogenic and following previous spinal surgery. This study investigates the relationship between the parameters described in the initial magnetic resonance images and the clinical outcome of the patients. Methods and Materials/Patients: A total of 32 patients with clinical and laboratory evidence and imaging findings consistent with spondylodiscitis who had a history of spine surgery and fusion device implantation during the last 3 months were studied. Initial magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared and interpreted in conjunction with the outcomes of these patients, based on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, pain scores, and the need for re-surgery during a 3-month follow-up. Results: The average follow-up CRP level in patients experiencing stable pain was 17.71±8.03 and was significantly higher than other patients (P<0.05). Among the total cohort (n=32), the ring-like enhancement pattern was observed in 13 patients (40.6). Of these, 7 patients were in the poor outcome group (n=7 100%), and 6 were in the good outcome group (n=25 24%). Additionally, among patients with persistent pain (n=14), 9 (64.3%) exhibited the ring-like pattern, compared to only 4 of 18(22.2%) patients with minimal or no pain. Conclusion: Vertebral height reduction and disc destruction, and ring-like enhancement pattern in soft tissue and dura, as well as CRP level above 10 values in follow-up, are associated with persistent pain in patients. © 2025 Guilan University of Medical Sciences. Published by Guilan University of Medical Sciences This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license(https://c.