Sternoclavicular Joint Infection Research Articles

A challenging case of severe bilateral septic arthritis with osteomyelitis of the sternoclavicular joint in a patient with end-stage renal disease.

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a rare condition that comprises <1% of all joint infections. We report a case of severe bilateral septic arthritis of the SCJ in a patient with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis. A 44-year-old female presented with right SCJ infection 1 month after recovering from a tenckhoff catheter exit-site infection. She completed 6 weeks of antibiotics however this progressed to bilateral SCJ septic arthritis with osteomyelitis necessitating multiple surgical debridement and excision of bilateral clavicular heads. Further imaging showed signs of renal osteodystrophy and degenerative joint changes resembling calcium pyrophosphate deposition. Patients with end-stage renal disease have multiple risk factors including immune system dysfunction, renal osteodystrophy and dialysis access sites that increase susceptibility to bacteraemia and seeding. Therefore in such patients, prompt assessment is necessary to ensure expeditious diagnosis and treatment of this potentially debilitating condition. A multidisciplinary team involving various specialties is crucial for the holistic care for such patients and to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Clinical and radiological septic joint analysis of spontaneous sternoclavicular joint infections: achieving the best outcomes-a systems engineering approach.

Spontaneous sternoclavicular joint infection (SSCJI) is a rare and poorly understood disease process. This study aims to identify factors guiding effective management strategies for SSCJI by using data mining. An Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective review of patients from 2 large hospitals (2010-2022) was conducted. SSCJI is defined as a joint infection without direct trauma or radiation, direct instrumentation or contiguous spread. An interdisciplinary team consisting of thoracic surgeons, radiologists, infectious disease specialists, orthopaedic surgeons, hospital information experts and systems engineers selected relevant variables. Small set data mining algorithms, utilizing systems engineering, were employed to assess the impact of variables on patient outcomes. A total of 73 variables were chosen and 54 analysed against 11 different outcomes. Forty-seven patients [mean age 51 (22-82); 77% male] met criteria. Among them, 34 underwent early joint surgical resection (<14 days), 5 patients received delayed surgical intervention (>14 days) and 8 had antibiotic-only management. The antibiotic-only group had comparable outcomes. Indicators of poor outcomes were soft tissue fluid >4.5 cm, previous SSCJI, moderate/significant bony fragments, HgbA1c >13.9% and moderate/significant bony sclerosis. This study suggests that targeted antibiotic-only therapy should be considered initially for SSCJI cases while concurrently managing comorbidities. Patients displaying indicators of poor outcomes or no symptomatic improvement after antibiotic-only therapy should be considered for surgical joint resection.

Functional Outcomes of Patients With Sternoclavicular Joint Infection After Extended Resection

BackgroundSternoclavicular joint infection is rare. Operation is the treatment of choice, but there is no generally accepted approach. This report evaluated the clinical and functional results after extended surgical treatment. MethodsThis single-center cohort study included 14 patients. Extended operation consisted of initial débridement with removal of the joint capsule; partial resection of the ipsilateral manubrium sterni, of the medial part of the clavicle, and sometimes of the first rib; and vacuum-assisted closure dressing. The procedure was repeated until the microbiologic findings and surgical site showed healing. Analysis of the risk factors, complications, and recurrence rate was performed. Functional results were assessed by the shortened version of the standardized Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. ResultsOnly 4 of 14 patients (29%) had fever and elevated infectious parameters at diagnosis. Staphylococcus was the most frequently observed microorganism. Grade ≥III complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were observed in 5 of 14 (36%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 1 patient diagnosed 2 months after hospital discharge. Clinical and functional assessment after a mean follow-up of 48 months revealed excellent results without instability of the shoulder girdle, residual pain, or functional impairment. The mean QuickDASH score in our population was 4.5 of 100 points. ConclusionsExtended surgical treatment of sternoclavicular joint infection in conjunction with assisted wound healing led to satisfying clinical and functional results.

Sternoclavicular Joint Osteomyelitis Post Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Insertion: A Case Report

Background: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator is a rare source of sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection. Management of SCJ infection is challenging because of the joint's proximity to major vascular structures. Case Presentation:: We presented a case of SCJ infection two years post implantable cardioverter-defibrillator insertion in a 70-year-old gentleman. We managed the patient successfully with minimal surgical debridement, followed by negative pressure suction and antibiotic therapy for eight weeks. Discussion: Management of SCJ after implantable ICD is still challenging. Few cases reported the possibility of negative wound suction to manage this condition after wound debridement. Our case may support the conservative approach to managing SCJ infection. Conclusion: SCJ infection can occur for a long time following ICD insertion. Wound debridement followed by negative wound therapy could be beneficial in the management of this condition

A surgical case of abscess of the sternal region due to synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome

BackgroundSynovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by cystic skin disease, aseptic osteomyelitis, and hyperostosis. It is rarely associated with subcutaneous abscesses in the anterior chest wall. Herein, we describe a case of a sternal abscess due to SAPHO syndrome that was successfully treated with debridement.Case presentationA 62-year-old female patient presented with a chief complaint of a mass in the right anterior chest region. Computed tomography showed the presence of an abscess around the sternum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed inflammation of the spine. The patient also had a history of palmoplantar pustulosis, raising the suspicion of SAPHO syndrome; however, sternoclavicular joint infection could not be excluded. Abscess drainage and wall debridement were performed. However, reaccumulation of the abscess occurred early after surgery. Although culture tests of the abscess were negative, histopathological examination of the abscess wall revealed a tuberculoid granuloma. Owing to unsuccessful open wound management, debridement of the anterior thoracic skin and abscess wall and partial sternal resection were performed 2 months after the initial surgery. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied for 4 weeks after surgery, followed by immunosuppressant administration. The patient underwent split-thickness skin grafting on postoperative day 65 and had no abscess recurrence at 18 months post-surgery.ConclusionsAbscesses in the sternal region caused by SAPHO syndrome can be difficult to differentiate from infectious arthritis. Therefore, drainage and debridement should be considered if infection cannot be excluded.

OUR EXPERIENCE WITH PEC MAJOR FLAP FOR STERNOCLAVICULAR JOINT INFECTIONS

Sternoclavicular joint infections are uncommon but severe and complex condition usually in medically complex and compromised hosts. These infections are challenging to treat with risks of infection extending into the mediastinal structures and surgical drainage is often faced with problems of multiple unplanned returns to theatre, chronic non-healing wounds that turn into sinus and the risk of significant clinical escalation and death. Percutaneous aspirations or small incision drainage often provide inadequate drainage and failed control of infection, while open drainage and washout require multidisciplinary support, due to the close proximity of the mediastinal structures and the great vessels as well as failure to heal the wounds and creation of chronic wound or sinus.We present our series of 8 cases over 6 years where we used the plan of open debridement of the Sternoclavicular joint with medial end of clavicle excision to allow adequate drainage. The surgical incision was not closed primarily, and a suction vacuum dressing was applied until the infection was contained on clinical and laboratory parameters. After the infection was deemed contained, the surgical incision was closed by local muscle flap by transferring the medial upper sternal head of the Pectoralis Major muscle to fill in the sternoclavicular joint defect. This technique provided a consistent and reliable way to overcome the infection and have the wound definitively closed that required no secondary procedures after the flap surgery and no recurrence of infections so far.We suggest that open and adequate drainage of Sternoclavicular joint staged with vacuum dressing followed by pectoralis major local flap is a reliable technique for achieving control of infection and wound closure for these challenging infections.

Nonsurgical management of Fusobacterium necrophorum sternoclavicular septic arthritis: a case report

BackgroundTo date, the gold-standard treatment for sternoclavicular septic arthritis has been surgery due to the high failure and complication rates of medical treatment. In particular, presentation of Fusobacterium sternoclavicular septic arthritis has been rarely reported and very sparsely investigated, and only one other case report of septic arthritis caused by this pathogen exists in literature.Case presentationWe report a case of an otherwise healthy 38-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with sternoclavicular septic arthritis as a complication of Fusobacterium necrophorum mediastinitis. Our patient underwent successful management through nonstandard, conservative treatment of 7 weeks of intravenous piperacillin + tazobactam followed by 6 weeks of oral amoxicillin + clavulanic acid.ConclusionWe highlight a case of the rare presentation of Fusobacterium necrophorum sternoclavicular septic arthritis that did not require surgical intervention for successful management. Though infection of the sternoclavicular joint is unusual, it continues to be seen in thoracic surgery, and there are increasing numbers of antibiotic-resistant organisms. This case broadens insight into the clinical course and treatment of such conditions. The success of conservative management in this case aligns with the similar nonsurgical course of the one previous report of Fusobacterium sternoclavicular septic arthritis occurrence. Thus, further discussion and thought for reevaluating the current standard practice of surgery for sternoclavicular joint infection is suggested. Our case supports assessing a patient’s overall health, causative organism, and extent of infection in interventional course and taking the feasibility of conservative management into more weighted consideration.

Increasing Incidence of Sternoclavicular Joint Infections in Intravenous Drug Users.

Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis is rarely seen in the general population. The majority of cases are seen in intravenous drug users. Given the lack of reported cases in the literature, there is no standardized treatment algorithm for this disease. Described treatment methods range from medical management to wide local debridement. The incidence of sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis will likely continue to increase with rising usage of intravenous drugs in the United States. Within the past year, our institution treated four cases.

Sternoclavicular Joint Abscess Necessitating Empyema: Four ED Visits in Six Days

We report a case of Sternoclavicular Joint (SCJ) infection in a 52-year-old male who developed an empyema over six days. During the first three visits, he had worsening pectoral and shoulder pain and was symptomatically treated and discharged. During the first ED visit, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck was negative. During the second ED visit, CTA chest was negative for pulmonary embolism. Three days later, CTA of the neck showed density from the left first rib to the left sternoclavicular joint, suggesting a hematoma. During the final ED visit, CT of the chest showed a left anterior chest wall abscess contiguous with a left upper lobe empyema. VATS confirmed empyema and revealed costochondral and SCJ abscess. Decortication, SCJ resection, and pectoralis muscle debridement were performed. Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA) was isolated from surgical cultures. After the pectoralis muscle flap closure, he was treated with IV cefazolin for a total of six weeks. Health care professionals should have a high index of suspicion for SCJ infections in patients with a similar clinical presentation. This case highlights the importance of early and prompt diagnosis of MSSA SCJ infections to prevent sequelae of the disease.

ИНФЕКЦИОННЫЙ АРТРИТ ГРУДИНО-КЛЮЧИЧНОГО СОЧЛЕНЕНИЯ: ДИАГНОСТИКА И ПЕРСОНИФИЦИРОВАННОЕ ЛЕЧЕНИЕ

We analyzed short-term results of personalized treatment of 31 patients with sternoclavicular septic arthritis. Sternoclavicular joint infection was spread hematogenously in 74,2 % of patients and staphylococcus was the most causative pathogen (87,1 %). Diagnostic work-up included computer tomography, ultrasound-guided aspiration and microbiological analyses of aspirate and blood culture. 16 patients with sternoclavicular joint infection underwent incision, debridement and drainage at the first stage of treatment. Three of them died. Negative pressure wound therapy was used in 11 patients. Antibiotic therapy was effective in 50 % of patients with serous arthritis of sternoclavicular joint. Antibiotic with drainage and/or negative pressure wound therapy was efficient in 33,3 % of cases. The final respective-reconstructive stage of treatment was performed in 48,1 % of patients with good results. Wide resection was performed including medial end of clavicular, part of manubrium sterni and medial end of first and second ribs followed by pectoralis muscle flap.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with failure of non-operative treatment for sternoclavicular joint infection.

BackgroundA standardized treatment algorithm for sternoclavicular joint infection management is lacking in the literature. While major risk factors for sternoclavicular joint infection, including immunosuppression, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, indwelling catheters, and intravenous drug use have been identified, clear association with treatment outcome has not been established. As our safety net hospital treats a patient population with high incidence of intravenous drug use, we sought to identify risk factors associated with failure of non-operative management of sternoclavicular joint infection.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study, reviewing charts of patients diagnosed with sternoclavicular joint infection between January 2001 and December 2017 to collect demographic information as well as clinical risk factors and treatment patterns. A chi-square test was performed to determine any association between clinical variables and management, as well as relation to treatment outcome.ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 35 patients with diagnosis of sternoclavicular joint infection and complete follow-up. Intravenous drug use was prevalent, seen in 45.6% (16/35) of subjects, though there was no association with failure of non-operative management (P=0.50). Operative management was the initial treatment for 25.7% (9/35) of subjects and was associated with abscess on presentation (P=0.03). Failure of non-operative management was seen in 26.9% (7/26). Type 2 diabetes was associated with failed initial non-operative management, present in 42.9% (3/7) of patients (P=0.03) experiencing failure.ConclusionsThis study constitutes the largest series of sternoclavicular joint infection with intravenous drug use. While intravenous drug use was not associated with failure of non-operative management, we observed that type 2 diabetes is associated with failure of non-operative management and could be considered in determining management of sternoclavicular joint infection patients.

The Preferred Treatment of Sternoclavicular Joint Infections: A Systematic Review.

The treatment of sternoclavicular joint infection is a topic of controversy. This systematic review aims to evaluate the preferred treatment of sternoclavicular joint infections. A literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE®/Embase databases was conducted to identify publications on the surgical management of sternoclavicular joint infections. Case reports and studies without surgical management were excluded. The outcomes of interest included patient demographics, comorbidities, infectious etiologies, radiographic features, surgical management, and complications. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the subjects was 53.4 years; there was a predominance of males (65%), and a minority of the subjects were obese (15%). The most common infectious etiology was methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (48%). CT scan was reported in 46% of cases. The most common treatment was surgical resection of the joints (85%), followed by muscle flap closure of the wounds (54.2%). The complication rate ranged from 0-40%. Specifically, recurrence of infection was low with resection of the joint, followed by muscle flap closure. Given the heterogeneity of the methodology and inconsistency in the outcomes, a meta-analysis could not be performed. Overall, the current literature favors the resection of the sternoclavicular joint as the gold standard treatment. Closure of the wound using muscle flap seems to adequately treat this problem without any major untoward events.

Diagnosis and management of sternoclavicular joint infections: a literature review.

The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is anatomically and clinically significant considering its proximity to important neuro-vascular structures like the subclavian vessels and the phrenic nerve. Infections of this joint masquerade multiple disorders, delay diagnosis and spread to the bone and deep tissues. There is no standardized workup and treatment protocol for sternoclavicular joint infections (SCJI) as defined in literature. Here, we review the existing literature to understand the current knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of SCJI. We searched English publications in PubMed and included clinical trials, case reports, case series, retrospective cohort studies, literature and systematic reviews after excluding non-infectious etiology of SCJ pathologies. There are many risk factors for SCJI, such as immunocompromised status, intravenous drug use, trauma and arthropathies. But a large percentage of patients with disease have none of these risk factors. SCJIs can present with fever, joint swelling, immobility, and rarely with vocal cord palsy or dysphagia. While Staphylococcus aureus causes over 50% of SCJI cases, other pathogens such as Pseudomonas and Mycobacterium are frequently seen. When diagnosed early, the infection can be medically managed with antibiotics or joint aspirations. Most cases of SCJI, however, are diagnosed after extensive spread to soft tissue and bones requiring en-bloc resection with or without a muscle flap. Complications of undertreatment can range from simple abscess formation to mediastinitis, even sepsis. SCJIs are rare but serious infections prompting early detection and interventions. Most cases of SCJI treated adequately show complete resolution in months while retaining maximum functionality. Key features of proper healing include aggressive physiotherapy to prevent adhesive shoulder capsulitis and decreased range of motion.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Combined With Instillation for Sternoclavicular Joint Infection

There is no consensus on the management of spontaneous sternoclavicular joint infection (SCJI). Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely accepted for SCJI. We reviewed our experience with the management of this condition comparing NPWT alone and NPWT combined with instillation and dwell time. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with spontaneous SCJI treated in our thoracic unit. From March 2008 to October 2019, 27 patients (21 men and 6 women) underwent NPWT combined with muscle flap transfer after necrosectomy and chest wall resection for SCJI. The median age was 57.1 years (range, 35 to 85). Depending on management, the patients were divided into two groups: 16 patients with NPWT in group 1, and 11 patients with NPWT combined with instillation and dwell time in group 2. The severity of SCJI, extent of chest wall resection, and type of muscle flap were not significantly different (P= .35, P= .858, P= .705, respectively). Median duration of hospital stay and NPWT were shorter in group 2 (30 vs 25 days, and 20 vs 16 days, respectively). The required wound dressing changes were significantly lower in group 2 (P= .008). Statistical trend to higher bacterial eradication in group 2 was noted (P= .093). Postoperative complications including SCJI recurrence, wound seroma, and dehiscence were not significantly different between groups (P= .269). The NPWT combined with instillation and dwell time appears a useful strategy in patients with SCJI, leading to higher incidence of bacterial eradication and shorter wound care.

An Unusual Case of Sternoclavicular Joint Infection and Lung Abscess

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare and serious infection. A delay in the diagnosis may lead to serious complications. The appropriate medical and surgical treatment is crucial to the outcome. This article aims to report our experience in the successful management of sternoclavicular joint infection complicated with a lung infection. The authors present an unusual case of sternoclavicular joint infection extending into lung parenchyma with lung abscess formation in a diabetic patient, with uncontrolled diabetes that was successfully treated. At revaluation, he was asymptomatic with no evidence of relapse. Although sternoclavicular joint infection is a rare condition we highlight the importance of clinician’s awareness for an early diagnosis and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgery.

Sternoclavicular Joint Infections: Improved Outcomes With Myocutaneous Flaps

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection is a rare disease and its management remains controversial. Our institution has adopted an aggressive surgical approach of radical SCJ resection combined with myocutaneous flap (MCF) closure whenever possible. We reviewed our experience with this approach in the management of this condition. From July 2004 to June 2018, 50 consecutive patients were treated surgically for SCJ infections. Patient demographics, imaging studies, microbiology, and operative variables were analyzed. All patients underwent ipsilateral SCJ resection. Wound closure was performed with primary pectoralis advancement MCF closure at the initial operation in 25 patients, delayed MCF closure following temporary wound vacuum therapy and redebridement in 19 patients, and definitive wound vacuum therapy (DWVT) in 6 patients. End points were recurrence of infection, perioperative morbidity, and mortality. Localized swelling (100%) and pain (100%) were the most common presenting symptoms. MSSA was isolated in 50% of tissue cultures. Comorbidities included tobacco smoking 52%, diabetes mellitus 50%, intravenous drug use 34%, poor dental hygiene 32%, and obesity 28%. We had no deaths within 90 days of operation. Complications; seroma in 1 patient (2%), chest wall hernia in 1 patient (2%), retained drains in 1 patient (2%), recurrent osteomyelitis infection in 3 patients (6%), and hematomas in 5 patients (10%). Patients treated with primary MCF closure at the initial operation had a 0% (0/25) rate of recurrence compared to 5.26% (1/19) in delayed MCF closure. Overall, there was only a 2.27% (1/44) recurrence of infection in primary and delayed MCF closure combined, compared to 33.33% (2/6) in patients treated with DWVT closure. SCJ infections require an aggressive approach. Wound closure with an MCF (primary or delayed) is associated with less recurrence of infections compared with DWVT closure. Radical resection of the entire SCJ with MCF (primary or delayed) should be considered the preferred management strategy in patients with SCJ infections.

Extended sternoclavicular joint infections in cirrhotic patients: staged interdisciplinary approach with thoracic and plastic surgery

Aim: Sternoclavicular joint infection associated with liver cirrhosis is an uncommon condition and the optimal surgical treatment is undefined.

Surgical management of sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis

IntroductionInfections of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) account for less than 1% of all joint infections. There are no standardized diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms defined in literature. This study intended to report the risk factors, the bacterial spectrum, the extent and localization and the clinical outcome of SCJ infections. Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 13 patients (8 men, five women, mean age 37.6 years) with SCJ infections between Januray 1st 2008 and October 30th 2015 for clinical parameters and radiological studies. All patients were interviewed during their follow-up along with clinical examination and assessing the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). ResultsNine patients presented with local chest pain and swelling; in 4 patients, the prevalent symptom was pain without local signs of inflammation. Full blood count revealed a mean leukocytosis of 15 × 109 L and a mean CRP of 21.0 mg/dl. Approximately 61.5% reported known diabetes mellitus. 10 patients presented an involvement of surrounding structures. All patients received a preoperativ CT scan. Each patient was treated via SCJ resection without intraoperative complications. Primary wound closure was possible in all cases. The mean follow-up was 95 days. Wound culture revealed Staphylococcus aureus in all patients. Pathological examination affirmed acute osteomyelitis in 7 patients. Four patients required the intensive care of which 2 patients died from septic shock. Recurrent infection was encountered in 3 patients who underwent revision surgery. Mean DASH Score was 18.7. ConclusionCT should be routinely obtained to recognize the possible extends to the surrounding structures. SCJ resection can result in satisfactory clinical results and should be considered in cases of extended infections including the surrounding structures. Empiric antibiotic coverage should contain cephalosporin or extended-spectrum penicillin. Inappropriate or less-invasive surgical procedures may cause recurrencent infections, especially in cases of osteomyelitis.

AB012. Descending mediastinitis

Background: Descending necrotising mediastinitis (DNM) is a life-threatening condition. Without timely diagnosis, immediate administration of appropriate antibiotics and prompt aggressive surgical management, a fatal outcome is likely. The mortality rate is high, with reports ranging from 11% to 40%. It generally results from odontogenic, peritonsillar or other pharyngeal infections of polymicrobial origin (most commonly Streptococcus and Bacteroides species), entering through disruptions of mucosal and tissue barriers and spreading rapidly along the deep fascial planes into the mediastinum. Comorbidities, especially of immunosuppressive character, (i.e., diabetes, alcoholism, malnutrition, corticosteroid therapy and prior chemotherapy), might not only predispose to development of DNM but also lead to more complicated courses of the disease. It may also result from iatrogenic oropharyngeal perforation, cervical trauma, cervical lymphadenitis, suppurative thyroiditis, traumatic endotracheal intubation, epiglottitis, parotitis, sinusitis, sternoclavicular joint infection and jugular intravenous drug use/abuse. As the infection spreads along the mediastinal planes, phlegmon, necrosis, abscess formation and sepsis may rapidly develop. A delay in diagnosis and delayed or incomplete drainage of the mediastinum are the main causes for the high mortality rate of this life-threatening condition.

Sternoclavicular Joint Infection Presenting as Nonspecific Chest Pain

BackgroundSternoclavicular joint infection (SJI), to include septic arthritis (SA), is a rare cause of chest pain and is often found in patients with significant risk factors and sources for SA. Most acute care laboratory results lack significant sensitivity to rule out SA. Radiographic findings in common acute care imaging often does not reveal findings of SA and osteomyelitis in the acute phase of the infection. Case ReportWe present a patient without significant risk factors for SA, who initially presented with 3 days of pain to the left chest, left neck and shoulder. He had fever and was treated with a short course of antibiotics for possible pneumonia. His symptoms recurred along with fever 36 days after the initial onset of symptoms and was then diagnosed radiographically with left-sided SJI. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?This case reinforces the need to maintain a broad differential diagnosis in the evaluation for chest pain and pursue advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging, when the pretest probability of SJI is high, especially in the acute phase of the infection.