Chonnam Med J.
2000 Dec;36(4):381-386.
Brodie's Abscess : MR Findings
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Radioglogy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University of Medical Science.
Abstract
- PURPOSE
We evaluated the MR findings of Brodie's abscess. MATERIALS & METHODS: MR images of 15 patients(17 cases) proven Brodie's abscess were retro spectively reviewed. All MR images was obtained by 1.5T MR scanner. The signal intensity of the center, wall and surrounding bone marrow was analyzed on T1- and T2-weighted images. The enhancement patterns of the center and wall were analyzed on gadolinum-enhanced T1-weighted images. The involvement of epiphysis and growth plate was also evaluated.
RESULTS
The center of abscess showed iso signal intensity in eight cases, low signal intensity in five cases, and high signal intensity in four cases on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity in 16 cases, low signal intensity in one case on T2-weighted images. The wall showed high signal intensity in 14 cases, and iso signal intensity in three cases on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity in 14 cases, low signal intensity in three cases on T2-weighted images. The outer rim of low signal intensity was seen in four on T1-weighted images and eight on T2-weighted images. The surrounding peripheral halo showed high signal intensity on T2-weighted images in 17. Gadolinum-enhanced T1-weighed images showed intense enhancement of the wall in 17. The involvement of growth plate and epiphysis from metaphyeal abscess in children were seen in six. The degree of growth plate involvement was 14.7%(5-20%) in average. The degree of epiphyseal involvement was 11.4%(3-20%) in average.
CONCLUSION
The center of abscess showed variable signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images in most cases. The wall showed high signal intensity on both T1-and T2-weighted images and intense enhancement on gadolinum-enhanced T1-weighted images in most cases. MR imaging was useful for evaluating the involvement of epiphysis and growth plate in children.
