A Case of Advanced Degenerative Changes Mimicking Spinal Infection on Imaging

Friday, November 14, 2025

5:19 PM - 5:27 PM CT

Location: 301 - 302

Introduction: Spinal imaging is correlated with history and physical to formulate diagnosis and treatment. However, features and imaging patterns of some diseases may be difficult to discern. Modic 1 changes are signs of inflammation-mediated disc degeneration that can mimic infections on MRI (1). We present a case of advanced and severe degenerative changes on non-contrast imaging that were mistaken for spinal bone infection, leading to hospitalization and extensive work-up.

Submitting Author(s)

SR

Swathi Rayasam, MD

Resident Physician
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, United States

Co-Author(s)

SJ

Stephanie Jones, MD (she/her/hers)

Attending Physician, Fellowship Program Director
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, United States