[Hematogenous osteomyelitis in children : A feared pediatric emergency].

Abstract

Clinical/methodological issue: Hematogenously disseminated osteomyelitis in children and adolescents is an acute disease with a substantial threat to the health of a child or adolescent. Due to the destruction of bones or joints within hours to days and the risk of bacterial sepsis, it is a feared pediatric emergency that requires hospitalization in a children's hospital and rapid action.

Standard radiological methods: The standard radiological procedures are X‑ray, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methodological innovations/performance: Contrast-enhanced MRI has established itself as the gold standard for the detection of osteomyelitis.

Achievements: It is characterized by a very high sensitivity and high specificity.

Practical recommendations: If there is a clinical suspicion of bacterial osteomyelitis, an MRI diagnosis must be carried out quickly.