"Penumbra sign" in knee pain: a case of distal femur osteomyelitis.

"Penumbra sign" is a characteristic finding in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Brodie's abscess, a rare variant of subacute osteomyelitis. We aimed to discuss the imaging finding penumbra sign that will help in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and may be useful to clinicians in differential diagnosis. A 26-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of pain and limping in the right knee that did not go away. He had a history of arthroscopic debridement and percutaneous fixation surgery due to osteochondral fragment 3 years ago. There were no additional findings in the patient's vital parameters, physical examination, and medical history. X-ray imaging revealed two screws in the distal femur and a well-defined sclerotic rim surrounding a radiolucent lesion anterior to the screws. MRI revealed a lesion in the distal femoral metaphysis with low-density fluid and hyperintense granulation tissue surrounding it. After surgical abscess drainage and local debridement, bone cement was placed in the resulting cavity. Teicoplanin treatment was started. The patient was discharged and complete recovery was achieved in the second month. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis is often missed or confused with bone tumors in non-traumatic cases presenting with persistent bone pain. MRI imaging is frequently used in differential diagnosis, and detection of characteristic imaging signs such as the penumbra sign accelerates the diagnosis. In this context, emergency department clinicians, in particular, should be cautious and not forget that early treatment can be started by recognizing these signs.

Prevalence of radiographic findings in chronic osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Simple radiography in conjunction with pertinent medical history and a comprehensive physical examination is typically adequate for diagnosing chronic osteomyelitis (CO). However, radiographic manifestations of CO lack specificity; therefore, the concordance among specialists in this regard has not been systematically assessed. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the proficiency of orthopedic surgeons and radiologists in identifying radiographic indicators present in simple radiographs for diagnosing CO. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was a correlational investigation utilizing plain radiographs obtained from a cohort of 60 patients diagnosed with CO. Comprehensive assessments of the demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and microbiological parameters were conducted. Additional variables included the anatomical location of the CO, existence of fistulas, disease duration, and presence of pseudoarthrosis. This study meticulously documented the presence or absence of six specific findings: bone destruction, which incorporates erosion and radiolucencies around implants; bone sclerosis; cortical thinning concomitant with erosion; cortical thickening; sequestrum formation; and soft-tissue swelling. RESULTS: Most patients were men (75%), with a mean age of 45.1 years. Hematogenous etiology of CO represented 23%. Bone sclerosis (71.3%) and cortical thickening (67.7%) were the most common radiographic findings, followed by soft-tissue swelling (51.3%), sequestration (47.3%), bone destruction (33.3%), and cortical erosion (30.3%). The mean agreement was 74.2%, showing a marked disagreement rate of 25.8% among all radiographic findings. The presence or absence of soft tissue edema, a prominent radiographic finding that was more important than the other findings, showed the greatest disagreement. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic findings in CO were universally observed in all patients, demonstrating a high degree of concordance among specialists, with the exception of soft tissue swelling.

Upper extremity infection: imaging features with focus on magnetic resonance imaging.

Upper extremity infections are frequently seen, especially in individuals with weakened immune system, posttraumatic events, and after surgery procedures. If not properly treated, such conditions can lead to serious consequences, such as movement impairment, amputation, and even mortality. These infections have the potential to spread extensively from their initial site of entry, traversing interconnected spaces either intra or extra-compartmental. Understanding the relevant anatomy is crucial to assess location and stage of infection, since surgical intervention and intravenous antibiotics are usually required. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the imaging findings of upper extremity infection, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Furthermore, this article sheds light on the pivotal role of radiology in managing hand, elbow, and shoulder infections offering an overview of available treatment options. KEY FINDINGS: Various types of infections affecting the upper extremity will be discussed, including infectious tenosynovitis, deep space infections, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Authors also highlight anatomical spaces, common pathogens, spread routes, and key radiological features of these conditions.

Chronic Bi-Maxillary Osteomyelitis Caused by Actinomycetes in a Patient with Severe COVID-19 / Osteomyelitis bi-maxilar crónica causada por Actinomycetes en un paciente con COVID-19 severo

Abstract Osteomyelitis is defined as the inflammation of the either medullary, cortical, or cancellous bone, including nerves and blood vessels, causing necrosis and bone sequestrum formation; this condition has become a rare pathology, and odontogenic infections are considered the most frequent causal factor. This case shows a patient with bi-maxillary osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces spp, which was worsened for severe COVID-19 infection. Patient was submitted at surgery as, amplified total bilateral maxillectomy through the surgical technique Weber-Fergusson, and prolonged use of combination of antibiotics, achieved a good recovery. Two years later follow- up, the patient no show imaging or clinical evidence of the infection of osteomyelitis. The present case shows an interesting relationship between a rare infection and its association with COVID-19.

Resumen La osteomielitis se define como la inflamación del hueso medular, cortical o esponjoso, incluyendo nervios y vasos sanguíneos, causando necrosis y formación de secuestro óseo; esta condición es una patología rara, y las infecciones odontogénicas son consideradas como el factor causal más frecuente. En este caso, se muestra un paciente con osteomielitis bi-maxilar causada por Actinomyces spp, la cual empeoró por la infección de COVID-19 severo. El paciente fue sometido a una cirugía, maxilectomía bilateral total amplificada, a través de la técnica quirúrgica de Weber- Fergusson, y el uso prolongado de una combinación de antibióticos, logrando una buena recuperación. A los 2 años de seguimiento, el paciente no mostró evidencia clínica o imagenológica de la infección de osteomielitis. El presente caso muestra una interesante relación entre una infección rara y su asociación con COVID-19.

Case Report: Osteomyelitis Due to Sporothrix brasiliensis in Two Immunocompetent Patients Requiring Surgical Amputation.

Sporotrichosis is the most frequent subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the most virulent species, responsible for the majority of human and animal cases in Brazil. Osteomyelitis was described as a potential comorbidity of S. brasiliensis infection; however, surgical amputation resulting from an extracutaneous form is a rare outcome. In such cases, immunodeficiency and alcoholism must be investigated. We present two unusual cases of surgical amputation as a severe morbidity resulting from osteomyelitis by S. brasiliensis in immunocompetent nonalcoholic patients.

Tratamento cirúrgico da osteomielite dos maxilares: relato de caso / Surgical treatment of osteomyelitis of the jaws: Case report / Tratamento quirúrgico de la osteomielitis de los maxilares: reporte de um caso

A Osteomielite dos Maxilares (OM) é uma inflamação óssea, de origem na maioria infecciosa, podendo atingir a porção medular e cortical dos ossos maxilares. Apresenta-se em maior extensão na mandíbula, devido ao pobre suprimento sanguíneo que essa possui, sendo mais prevalente em homens entre a faixa etária de 40 a 60 anos. Sua etiologia está relacionada principalmente às infecções odontogênicas, infecções secundárias e corpos estranhos ocasionais, como os implantes dentários. Tem-se por objetivo apresentar um relato de caso clínico sobre OM na região posterior da mandíbula, bem como sua associação a uma insatisfatória implantação dentária onde houve desenvolvimento de lesão peri-implantar. Paciente do gênero feminino, 53 anos, melanoderma, apresentou dor crônica, abaulamento ósseo sem outros sinais significativos na região de molares inferiores no lado direito, radiograficamente visualizava-se imagem mista sendo sugestiva de sequestro ósseo. Na história pregressa relatou ter realizado explantação na referida região após ser diagnosticada com peri implantite. Ao final do estudo concluiu-se que a afecção teve como causa a infecção bacteriana proveniente de contaminação durante a inserção de implante dentário. Optou-se por remoção cirúrgica do osso necrótico e inflamado... (AU)

Osteomyelitis of the Jaws (OM) is a bone inflammation, of mostly infectious origin, which can affect the medullary and cortical portion of the maxillary bones. It presents itself to a greater extent in the mandible, due to the poor blood supply that it has, being more prevalent in men between the age group of 40 to 60 years. Its etiology is mainly related to odontogenic infections, secondary infections and occasional foreign bodies, such as dental implants. The objective is to present a clinical case report on OM in the posterior region of the mandible, as well as its association with an unsatisfactory dental implantation, where there was development of a peri-implant lesion. Female patient, 53 years old, melanoderma, presented chronic pain, bone bulging without other significant signs in the region of lower molars on the right side, radiographically a mixed image was visualized, suggesting bone sequestration. In her previous history, she reported having performed explantation in that region after being diagnosed with peri-implantitis. At the end of the study, it was concluded that the disease was caused by bacterial infection from contamination during dental implant insertion. We opted for surgical removal of the necrotic and inflamed bone... (AU)

La osteomielitis de los maxilares (OM) es una inflamación de los huesos, en su mayoría de origen infeccioso, que puede afectar la porción medular y cortical de los huesos maxilares. Se presenta en mayor medida en la mandíbula, debido a la escasa irrigación sanguínea que tiene, siendo más prevalente en hombres entre el grupo de edad de 40 a 60 años. Su etiología se relaciona principalmente con infecciones odontogénicas, infecciones secundarias y cuerpos extraños ocasionales, como los implantes dentales. El objetivo es presentar un reporte de caso de OM en la región posterior de la mandíbula, así como su asociación con una implantación dentaria insatisfactoria a partir de la cual desarrollamos una lesión periimplantaria. Paciente femenina, 53 años, melanodermia, presenta dolor crónico, tumefacción ósea con otros signos significativos en región molar inferior del lado derecho, radiográficamente se visualiza imagen mixta sugestiva de pérdida ósea. En su historia previa menciona haber realizado una explantación en esa región tras ser diagnosticada de periimplantitis. Al final del estudio, se concluyó que la enfermedad fue causada por una infección bacteriana provocada por la contaminación durante la inserción del implante dental. Se optó por la extirpación quirúrgica de la piel necrótica e inflamada... (AU)

Skull base osteomyelitis mimicking skull base tumor in immunocompetent pediatric patient: case report.

Central skull base osteomyelitis (CSBO) is a rare complication of infection in pediatric patients, especially when there are no comorbidities like immunosuppression or metabolic illness. The diagnosis of CSBO is a challenge in children, and imaging findings can mimic skull base tumor. We describe the clinical history and image diagnosis of a case in a 6-year-old girl with no relevant history who presented an extensive skull base lesion. She underwent tumor resection surgery. The intraoperative finding confirmed clivus osteomyelitis, and the histopathological studies discarded malignancy. After diagnosis, the patient completed 6-week antibiotic treatment with adequate evolution. In conclusion, CSBO should be considered within the differential diagnoses due to the fact that it can mimic skull base lesions and it may present without relevant history.

Comparative study of reliability of inflammatory markers over 18-FDG-PET CT scan in monitoring skull base osteomyelitis.

INTRODUCTION: The end point of treatment in skull base osteomyelitis is a matter of debate. A treatment based on symptoms alone is fraught with recurrence. There is a need to restrict imaging though more informative. The inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate used commonly need a detailed evaluation to optimize its utility. OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of inflammatory markers with a hybrid PET scan in monitoring skull base osteomyelitis. The secondary objective was to obtain a cut-off value of these markers to decide upon antibiotic termination. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care center with fifty-one patients with skull base osteomyelitis meeting eligibility criteria. Patients diagnosed with skull base osteomyelitis were serially monitored with weekly markers and PET scan after the initiation of treatment. A hybrid scan was taken at 6-8 weeks of treatment and repeated if required. The follow-up period varied from 6 weeks to 15 months. The outcome measures studied were the values of markers and the metabolic activity of PET scan when the patient became asymptomatic and when disease-free. RESULTS: C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate had a statistically significant correlation to disease activity in PET tomography scan as a prognostic marker. Both showed good clinical correlation. A cut off value of ≤ 3.6mg/L for C-reactive protein and ≤ 35mm/hour for erythrocyte sedimentation rate were taken as normalized values. CONCLUSION: A consistent normalized value of C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate for 8-12 weeks in an asymptomatic patient may be an indicator of disease control, though not cure. So, relying solely on markers alone for antibiotic termination may cause relapse. It may be used cautiously in a peripheral setting without access to more specific hybrid scans. In a tertiary care, follow-up scans may be done based on the titres, thereby limiting the radiation exposure.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de osteomielitis mandibular crónica / Diagnosis and treatment of chronic mandibular osteomyelitis

Introducción: La osteomielitis mandibular crónica es considerada como una infección odontogénica que cursa con tumefacción de la cara, limitación de la abertura bucal y dolor. Pocas veces es tratada a través de gammagrafías con fijación a ciprofloxacino con la consiguiente obtención de resultados efectivos. Objetivo: Describir un caso clínico de osteomielitis mandibular crónica tratada con terapia antibiótica y quirúrgica. Presentación de caso: Paciente femenina de 63 años de edad que acudió al servicio de estomatología del Hospital María Auxiliadora, Lima, Perú; con un historial de tres meses de hinchazón creciente a nivel del borde inferior izquierdo de la mandíbula desde que le realizaron una extracción dentaria. Los exámenes tomográficos, gammagrafía, biopsia y antibiograma confirmaron la osteomielitis y la susceptibilidad bacteriana. La decorticación, debridamiento, exodoncia y la administración de metronidazol más vancomicina por dos meses permitió la remisión del cuadro. Conclusiones: El seguimiento clínico de dos años y las gammagrafías de evaluación permitieron verificar la presencia de regeneración ósea y ausencia de focos de reactivación. La osteomielitis crónica puede ser provocada por restos de exodoncias dentarias. Su diagnóstico y seguimiento clínico requiere de múltiples exámenes y controles a largo plazo(AU)

Introduction: Chronic mandibular osteomyelitis is considered to be an odontogenic infection manifesting as facial tumefaction, limited mouth opening and pain. It is not often enough treated with ciprofloxacin fixation gammagraphies with the consequent achievement of effective results. Objective: Describe a clinical case of chronic mandibular osteomyelitis treated with antibiotic and surgical therapy. Case presentation: A female 63-year-old patient attends the dental service at María Auxiliadora Hospital in Lima, Peru, with a history of three-months' swelling of the lower left edge of her mandible upon performance of a dental extraction. Tomographic examination, gammagraphy, biopsy and antibiograms confirmed the presence of osteomyelitis and bacterial susceptibility. Decortication, debridement, exodontia and administration of metronidazole plus vancomycin for two months led to remission of the patient's status. Conclusions: Two-year clinical follow-up and evaluation gammagraphies made it possible to verify the presence of bone regeneration and the absence of reactivation foci. Chronic osteomyelitis may be caused by remains of dental exodontias. Its diagnosis and clinical follow-up require a large number of long-term tests and controls(AU)

CRANIAL OSTEOMYELITIS AS A COMPLICATION OF FURUNCULAR MYIASIS.

OBJECTIVE: To report the case of an infant with infrequent cranial osteomyelitis as a complication of furuncular myiasis. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 4-month-old male who presented to the emergency department with a nodular skull lesion with edema, tenderness, pain, and purulent drainage, as well as progress of the ulcerated lesion and evidence of larvae inside. Antibiotic treatment was initiated, and the patient was taken to the operating room to remove the larvae, but he had no symptomatic improvement. A skull radiograph was taken to visualize the osteolytic lesion, and a 3D computed tomography scan showed osteomyelitis of the external parietal surface. Antibiotic management readjustment continued for a total of six weeks, and a skin flap was used with clinical improvement. COMMENTS: Myiasis is defined as the infestation of vertebrates with fly larvae. In mammals, larvae can feed on host tissue and cause a wide range of infestations depending on their location in the body. The cranial osteomyelitis as a complication of myiasis described in this report seems to be an exceptional case.

Osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, or medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws? Can CBCT enhance radiographic diagnosis?

OBJECTIVE: To attempt defining differential radiographic diagnostic characteristics for osteonecrotic lesions using 2D as opposed to 3D images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects presenting mandibular osteonecrotic lesions (osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws) were selected and compared to a group of age- and gender-matched controls, all having both cone-beam computed tomographic images (CBCT) and panoramic radiographs (PANO). Both imaging modalities (predictor variables) were evaluated by two radiologists that scored lesion presence, eight additional radiological features, and a composite severity index (outcome variables). For each pathologic condition, characteristic features were assessed in PANO and CBCT by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Regression tree analysis revealed the predictive value of PANO and CBCT (α = 5%). RESULTS: Overall, the predictive value of PANO reached 74%, while for CBCT it became 90%. Regarding the composite severity index, CBCT enabled to detect more subtle lesions. Also, CBCT imaging allowed showing more distinct radiographic diagnostic features as compared to PANO imaging, more specifically when distinguishing osteomyelitis from both other lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Cone-beam computed tomography enabled showing more differences in radiological features between distinct osteonecrosis disease entities. CBCT imaging might be a better contributor for the detection of early lesions and to monitor further pathological developments in the mandible.

Cranial osteomyelitis as a complication of furuncular myiasis / Osteomielite craniana como complicação de miíase furuncular

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the case of an infant with infrequent cranial osteomyelitis as a complication of furuncular myiasis. Case description: The patient was a 4-month-old male who presented to the emergency department with a nodular skull lesion with edema, tenderness, pain, and purulent drainage, as well as progress of the ulcerated lesion and evidence of larvae inside. Antibiotic treatment was initiated, and the patient was taken to the operating room to remove the larvae, but he had no symptomatic improvement. A skull radiograph was taken to visualize the osteolytic lesion, and a 3D computed tomography scan showed osteomyelitis of the external parietal surface. Antibiotic management readjustment continued for a total of six weeks, and a skin flap was used with clinical improvement. Comments: Myiasis is defined as the infestation of vertebrates with fly larvae. In mammals, larvae can feed on host tissue and cause a wide range of infestations depending on their location in the body. The cranial osteomyelitis as a complication of myiasis described in this report seems to be an exceptional case.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar um caso de criança com osteomielite craniana infrequente como complicação da miíase furuncular. Descrição do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, com quatro meses de idade, que se apresentou no pronto-socorro com lesão nodular no crânio com edema, sensibilidade, dor e drenagem purulenta, com evolução da lesão ulcerada e evidência de larva no interior. O tratamento com antibióticos foi iniciado e o paciente foi levado à sala de cirurgia para remover as larvas, mas não houve melhora. Uma radiografia do crânio foi realizada para visualizar a lesão osteolítica e uma tomografia computadorizada em 3D mostrou osteomielite da superfície parietal externa. O reajuste do tratamento com antibióticos foi mantido por um total de seis semanas e um retalho cutâneo foi realizado com melhora clínica. Comentários: Miíase é definida como a infestação de vertebrados com larvas de moscas. Nos mamíferos, as larvas podem se alimentar do tecido hospedeiro e causar uma ampla variedade de infestações, dependendo da sua localização no corpo. A osteomielite como complicação da miíase, apresentada nesse caso, parece ser uma forma não usual de complicação dessa doença.

A case report of a novel compound heterozygous mutation in a Brazilian patient with deficiency of Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA).

BACKGROUND: Deficiency of the natural antagonist of interleukin-1 was first described in 2009 and so far 20 patients has been reported. In Brazil just two cases have been reported both carrying the same homozygous 15 bp deletion. Blocking interleukin-1 has changed rate survival for DIRA patients. The use of anakinra and rilonacept has been reported safe and efficient, whereas the selective blockade of interleukin-1 beta, using the monoclonal antibody canakinumab has been reported in a single case only. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report a case of a 7 years old Brazilian boy that presented with recurrent episodes of systemic inflammation with severe disabling osteomyelitis with mild pustular skin rash. A Next Generation Sequencing gene panel allowed to detect two pathogenic mutations in the IL1RN gene, described in compound heterozygosity. Corticosteroids was effective in controlling inflammation and anti-IL1 beta blocker triggered disease flare. Complete clinical control could be achieved using IL-1 receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS: DIRA is a severe, life threatening autoinflammatory condition with low numbers of patients described all over the world. The mutation p.Asp72_Ile76del in IL1RN is presented in all Brazilian DIRA patients already described and p.Q45* (rs1019766125) is a new mutation affecting the IL1RN gene. Following the pathogenesis of DIRA, blocking both subunits of interleukin one as well as antagonizing the receptor using anakinra or rilonacept seems to be effective. There is just one report using canakinumab for the treatment of DIRA and this is the first report of disease flare using this drug.

Change in Bone CT Attenuation and C-reactive Protein Are Predictors of Bone Biopsy Culture Positivity in Patients With Vertebral Discitis/Osteomyelitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the best laboratory and imaging factors to predict bone biopsy culture positivity in the setting of vertebral discitis/osteomyelitis (VDO). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Good predictors of bone biopsy culture positivity in the setting of VDO are unknown. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed for 46 patients who underwent CT-guided bone biopsy for the evaluation of clinically confirmed VDO. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), mean CT attenuation of the biopsied bone, and the change in the CT attenuation of the bone compared to unaffected vertebral bone (delta CT attenuation) were measured. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analyses were performed to identify the optimal threshold value for each variable. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to predict the probability of a positive bone culture using delta CT attenuation and CRPx100% fold above normal. RESULTS: For one of the 46 VDO patients, bone cultures were not obtained. Approximately 35.6% (16/45) of bone cultures were positive. The most significant predictors of bone culture positivity were CRP x100% fold above normal (P = 0.011) and delta CT attenuation (P = <0.001). Optimized predictive thresholds were calculated to be CRP 4-fold above normal reference value (90.9% sensitivity, 73.7% specificity), or if the CT attenuation of the affected vertebral body was >25.9 HU lower relative to unaffected bone (93.8% sensitivity, 75.0% specificity). CONCLUSION: Delta CT attenuation, as well as CRP level over four times the upper limits of normal, were the strongest predictors for bone culture positivity in patients with VDO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Full Femoral Osteomyelitis Caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a 46-year-old man who developed a full femoral osteomyelitis caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum. The subtle presentation of the infection and the late onset of appropriate antibiotic treatment caused a devastating bone quality of the full femur. CONCLUSIONS: A successful outcome was obtained with surgical debridement, antibiotics, and return to weight bearing guided by a laboratory and radiographic scale specially designed to avoid pathologic fractures toward his full functional recovery.