Extra-osseous fat fluid level: a specific sign for osteomyelitis

Skeletal Radiol. 2007 Jun:36 Suppl 1:S101-4. doi: 10.1007/s00256-006-0194-1. Epub 2006 Sep 19.

Abstract

Osteomyelitis may pose as a diagnostic dilemma on various imaging modalities and may be confused with neoplasms and other pathology. Although a rare finding, extra-osseous fat fluid level, especially when associated with spongy bone destruction, can be considered a specific sign of osteomyelitis. Previously, only two cases of extra-osseous fat fluid level in osteomyelitis have been reported, one on computed tomography (CT) and the other on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The former was a case of septic arthritis with intra-articular fat fluid level. A case of osteomyelitis is presented with the demonstration of extra-osseous fat fluid level. Our case is unique in providing exquisite CT and MRI correlation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology*
  • Adolescent
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnosis*
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteomyelitis / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed