Musculoskeletal ImagingCellulitis
an acute, suppurative and oedematous
inflammation of the deep subcutaneous tissues, sometimes associated with abscess formation. This type of
inflammation tends to spread to tissue spaces and cleavage planes. Drug addicts are particularly susceptible to development of cellulitis. Generally
Streptococcus,
Staphylococcus or
Clostridium is the responsible organism. Radiographically, the findings tend to be confined to the soft tissues. However,
osteomyelitis is a recognized complication.
Ultrasonography can distinguish between abscesses and simple cellulitis of the extremities, abdominal wall, trunk and neck. In addition, scintigraphy allows differentiation between osteomyelitis and cellulitis. However, gallium scans may not be helpful, and a three-phase technetium-labelled radionuclide should be used.
DR