Imaging of lower extremity infections: predisposing conditions, atypical infections, mimics, and differentiating features

2024/01/19 by George R. Matcuk, Sanaz Katal, Ali Gholamrezanezhad +8 · 1 citation
Medicine · #Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis #Orthopedic Infections and Treatments #Osteomyelitis and Bone Disorders Research

paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s00256-024-04589-4

openalex publication_date 2024/01/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

Imaging evaluation for lower extremity infections can be complicated, especially in the setting of underlying conditions and with atypical infections. Predisposing conditions are discussed, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease, neuropathic arthropathy, and intravenous drug abuse, as well as differentiating features of infectious versus non-infectious disease. Atypical infections such as viral, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections and their imaging features are also reviewed. Potential mimics of lower extremity infection including chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, foreign body granuloma, gout, inflammatory arthropathies, lymphedema, and Morel-Lavallée lesions, and their differentiating features are also explored.

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