Keywords:
Musculoskeletal bone, Musculoskeletal joint, Musculoskeletal system, CT, Plain radiographic studies, Diagnostic procedure, Infection
Authors:
M. F. M. Gago, M. L. D. R. B. C. Rosa; Lisboa/PT
DOI:
10.26044/essr2019/P-0110
Conclusion
Air in the medullary cavity of bones may indicate the presence of a life-threatening infection such as emphysematous osteomyelitis.
Such condition is associated with significant morbidity and mortality,
particularly in diabetic patients.
Prompt recognition by the radiologist is paramount,
as immediate tretament is required,
usually with surgical and antimicrobial therapy.
The clinical and laboratorial setting,
sites and pattern of involvement and associated findings should be taken into account in order to include this entity in the differential diagnosis.
History of trauma,
prior bone intervention procedures or diseases such as bone lymphangiomatosis should be sought.
Other benign or non infective entities with typical locations and fairly specific appearance should also be recognized.