Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal infections.

The manifestations of infectious disease of the spine are numerous. Viruses commonly affect the spinal cord and meninges, while tuberculosis and various bacterial and fungal organisms may involve the vertebrae, intervertebral disks, epidural and paraspinal regions, the leptomeninges, and, rarely, the cord itself. Magnetic resonance imaging, with its multiplanar capability and superb contrast resolution, is definitely the modality of choice in evaluating the patient with suspected infection of the spinal column or spinal cord and its coverings. The addition of postcontrast images is often helpful in the differential diagnosis.