Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Bilodeau L, Gaillard F, Hacking C, et al. Ghost sign (osteomyelitis). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 18 Feb 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-57755
The ghost sign is an MRI feature of osteomyelitis and is helpful in distinguishing a pure (aseptic) Charcot joint from one complicated by superimposed infection.
Radiographic features
MRI
This sign refers to the poor definition of the margins of a bone on non-contrast T1 weighted image, blending with the surrounding inflammatory phlegmon/fluid. After contrast injection, however, the outline of the bone becomes visible once more 1.
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1. Andrea Donovan, Mark E. Schweitzer. Use of MR Imaging in Diagnosing Diabetes-related Pedal Osteomyelitis. (2010) RadioGraphics. 30 (3): 723-36. doi:10.1148/rg.303095111 - Pubmed
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2. Gustav K. Schulthess, Christoph L. Zollikofer. Musculoskeletal Diseases 2009-2012. (2010) ISBN: 9788847013780
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