Radiologic Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Infections: A Pictorial Review

Abstract

Musculoskeletal soft tissues infections are among the commonly encountered diagnoses in the outpatient as well as hospital settings. Often patients present with vague symptoms making it difficult to distinguish infectious causes from other diagnoses by clinical examination alone and laboratory studies may also prove inconclusive. In such cases, it is important to recognize imaging features of soft tissue infections on radiologic studies that may be obtained as part of the work-up. Imaging studies often play an important role in leading to the correct diagnosis and in delineating extent of disease. Recognizing the imaging characteristics of infectious processes such as cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, pyomyositis and bursitis using various modalities is crucial in reaching an early diagnosis in order to prevent significant morbidity and even mortality in some cases. Image-guided intervention also has a prominent role in treatment of soft tissue infections. This article reviews various types of musculoskeletal soft tissue infections that may be encountered and their imaging features utilizing different imaging modalities, including radiography, computed tomography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.