Role of Recent Imaging Modalities in Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot

Abstract

Background: osteomyelitis and septic arthritis complicate up to one third of diabetic foot infections that require hospitalization and often result from contaminated soft tissues. Early diagnosis is difficult to achieve through noninvasive imaging studies. Nuclear medicine and radiologic imaging techniques, although commonly used, may lack accuracy. CT is used routinely because it is widely available, but it is of limited diagnostic value in early stages of acute osteomyelitis of the foot and in patients with diabetic osteoarthropathy. MRI, because of its high sensitivity and specificity, is considered the modality of choice for diagnosing osteomyelitis of the foot and for identifying associated soft-tissue abnormalities such as cellulitis, phlegmon, abscess, sinus tracts and ulcers. Aim of the work: this study aimed to assess the role of recent imaging modalities such as high resolution ultrasound, CTA, MRI, MRA and PET/CT in the early detection and /or improving the prognosis of diabetic foot. Conclusion: the major complication facing patients with diabetic foot is amputation that is why tight glycemic control is mandatory. In addition to routine screening for early detection of diabetic foot complications can be helpful. With advancement of radiological techniques, the prognosis of diabetic foot has improved.