Magnetic resonance imaging of septic arthritis

Septic arthritis is a disabling and life-threatening disease that requires early diagnosis for optimal outcome. Although traditionally a clinical and laboratory diagnosis, some patients may be misdiagnosed and referred for ma gnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Therefore, radiologists need to be aware of the MR imaging findings of septic arthritis, its complications, and diagnos tic pitfalls. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.