Table 6:

Clinical characteristics and patient outcomes by overall follow-up MR imaging results based upon epidural, paravertebral, and T2 disk space changes

VariableOverall Assessment Follow-Up MRIP
Improved (n = 21)Unimproved (n = 11)
Host Factors
    Age ≥754 (19)6 (55).06
    Systemic comorbidity*5 (24)6 (55).12
    Anatomic site infection†
        Cervical3 (14)1 (9).87
        Thoracic4 (19)3 (27)
        Lumbar14 (67)7 (64)
    BMI >3011 (52)5 (45)1
Microbiologic factors
    S aureus11 (52)5 (36).47
    Culture-negative cases5 (24)0 (0).14
Clinical factors
    Time from symptom-onset-diagnosis <28 days11 (52)4 (36).47
    Multilevel disease3 (14)0 (0).53
    Clinical improvement17 (81)8 (73).45
    Presence epidural abscess12 (57)3 (27).15
    Presence paravertebral/psoas abscess3 (14)3 (27).39
Management factors
    Surgically managed3 (14)1 (9)1
    Total duration of antimicrobials >42 days6 (29)6 (55).25
    Use of oral antimicrobials7 (33)6 (55).28
Outcome factors
    Residual neurologic deficits2 (10)2 (18).59
    Residual pain medications2 (10)2 (18).59
    Clinical failure1 (5)2 (18).27

  • Note:—One follow-up MRI exam was unable to be given an overall grade because no contrast was administered.

  • * Diabetes mellitus, creatinine >2.0 mg/dL, systemic malignancy, prior radiation therapy, chronic liver disease.

  • † Grouped according to highest level of involvement.