Legend Sagittal T1-WIs (right) of the cervical spine demonstrate replacement of the normal fatty marrow signal of the odontoid. T2-WI (left) is normal.

Legend Axial and sagittal T1-WIs after fat saturation and gadolinium administration reveal abnormal enhancement of the dens. Note the soft tissue component with enhancement of the transverse ligaments. There is no significant epidural component. Key words: mri infection inflammation

Spine Diagnosis: Staphylococcal osteomyelitis (Intravenous drug abuse)