What are the MRI findings of osteomyelitis?
On MRI, acute osteomyelitis manifests as bone marrow edema with increased signal intensity on fluid-sensitive sequences such as T2-weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images with corresponding decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images. The same findings which may be visible radiographically (cortical destruction and periosteal reaction) are also frequently present. Following the administration of intravenous contrast material, there is frequently abnormal enhancement as well.
