Presentation
Insidious onset of lumbar back pain. Pyrexial.
Patient Data
Age: 75 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Discitis/osteomyelitis (radiograph)
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Intervertebral disc height loss with large endplate erosions at L2/3. Multiple level disc height loss at other levels with preservation of the endplates. Lower lumbar spine facet joint arthropathy.
Case Discussion
Discitis/osteomyelitis can be initially occult on radiographs, requiring MRI to make and/or confirm the diagnosis. MRI was subsequently performed in this case which confirmed the diagnosis. MRI should also assess for epidural abscess.