Legend Left: Sagittal T1 and T2WIs images of the spine show heterogeneous signal abnormality (mostly increased T2 and decreased T1) involving 3 contiguous vertebrae in the lower thoracic spine. The intervertebral disks are destroyed and the adjacent vertebral body endplates are eroded. Soft-tissue mass extends anteriorly, adjacent to the aorta, and posteriorly into the epidural space, narrowing the spinal canal. Right: An axial T2 image confirms high signal anterior to the vertebrae and within the posterior elements. Abnormal signal is also seen in the anterior epidural space.

Legend Left: Sagittal contrast enhanced T1 images of the same area show bright heterogeneous enhancement of the vertebrae, disk spaces, paravertebral and epidural spaces. Right: Axial T1WIs with contrast show abnormal enhancement of the paravertebral mass and extension into the posterior vertebral elements and the right facet joint. Key words: mri infection inflammation thoracic

Spine Diagnosis: Staphylococcal osteomyelitis