What is the Brodie’s abscess?
A Brodie’s abscess, also known as a subacute or chronic abscess, is a type of bone infection that typically develops slowly over time.
It is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the bone tissue, which can cause pain and swelling.
The most common cause of a Brodie’s abscess is a bacterial infection, although it can also be caused by a fungal infection or a foreign body in the bone. The infection can spread to the bone from a nearby infected wound or from the blood.
- What radiologist should know about Brodie’s abscess
- Well-circumscribed lytic lesion in the long bone metaphysis with surrounding rim of sclerosis and ill-defined transition zone
- Subacute and chronic osteomyelitis
- Common in children
- m/c sites; tibia, femur
- Periosteal reaction and a sequestrum ; sometimes
- MRI finding of Brodie’s abscess
- Characteristic “target” lesion with 4 layers
- Center (pus, abscess cavity) : low T1, high T2, no enhancement
- Inner ring (granulation tissue, abscess wall) : iso to muscle on T1, hyper on T2, enhancement – “Penumbra sign”
- Outer ring (Reactive sclerosis) : low on all
- Peripheral (Bone marrow edema) : low T1, high T2, enhancement
- Characteristic “target” lesion with 4 layers
Compare with Brodie’s abscess (No walls)
Brodie’s abscess
