Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Sarangi P, Sharma R, Guan H, et al. Pumice stone sign. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 24 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-90709
The pumice stone sign describes the distinctive imaging appearance of emphysematous osteomyelitis on CT described as clusters of greater than 3 distinct foci of intramedullary gas with irregularly irregular sizes ranging between 2 and 5 mm with resemblance to surface appearance of pumice stone. This sign is seen in 96% of cases of emphysematous osteomyelitis.1, 2
According to one study 1, most (79%) cases of emphysematous osteomyelitis were not associated with cortical destruction of bone unlike traditional osteomyelitis. Hence this sign may help in early diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition. Adjacent soft tissue emphysema (79%) is also a key imaging feature.
-
1. Small JE, Chea P, Shah N, Small KM. Diagnostic Features of Emphysematous Osteomyelitis. (2018) Current problems in diagnostic radiology. doi:10.1067/j.cpradiol.2018.05.008 - Pubmed
-
2. Chamsi Basha A, Khalifa MA, Albadr F, Kaid J, Alsakkaf H. Hip bone osteonecrosis with intraosseous pneumatosis after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a case of emphysematous osteomyelitis. (2021) BJR case reports. 7 (1): 20200138. doi:10.1259/bjrcr.20200138 - Pubmed
Promoted articles (advertising)