Is intravenous contrast material necessary for the diagnosis of acute osteomyelitis by MRI?
No. In general, the diagnosis is established based on a combination of bone marrow edema, ancillary findings such as skin ulceration, and clinical history. Contrast material can occasionally be helpful in evaluating the pattern of bone marrow enhancement. However, MRI contrast is very useful in the diagnosis of the soft tissue infection that typically accompanies osteomyelitis.
