Can imaging findings help differentiate spinal neuropathic arthropathy from disk space infection? Initial experience

PURPOSE: To determine: if radiographic, computed tomographic (CT), and magn etic resonance (MR) imaging findings can help differentiate spinal neuropat hic arthropathy from disk space infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging studies in 33 patients were evaluated, inclu ding 14 patients with spinal neuropathic arthropathy (12 radiographic, seve n CT, and six MR studies) and 19 with disk space infection (13 radiographic , nine CT, and 12 MR,studies). Potential imaging discriminators, including endplate sclerosis or erosions, osteophytes, spondylolisthesis, facet invol vement (narrowing or erosions), vacuum disk, paraspinal soft-tissue mass, j oint disorganization, and osseous joint debris, were recorded, as were MR i maging signal intensity and gadolinium-enhancement characteristics. RESULTS: The most helpful findings for diagnosis of spinal neuropathic arth ropathy were vacuum disk on radiographs and CT images, debris on radiograph s and CT and MR images, disorganization on radiographs and CT and MR images , facet involvement on radiographs and CT and MR images, spondylolisthesis on CT and MR images, diffuse signal intensity patterns in vertebral bodies on MR images, and rim enhancement of disks on gadolinium-enhanced MR images . Findings that were not helpful included endplate sclerosis and erosions, osteophytes, paraspinal soft-tissue mass, and decreased disk height. CONCLUSION: Vacuum disk, facet involvement, vertebral body spondylolisthesi s, joint disorganization and debris, and gadolinium-enhancement patterns of vertebral bodies and disks may help differentiate spinal neuropathic arthr opathy from infection.