Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of inflammatory lesions in muscular and soft tissues: an experimental infection model induced by Candida albicans

• Published in: Magnetic resonance imaging 1999-11, Vol.17 (9), p.1327-1334
• Main Authors: Ruiz–Cabello, J, Carrero–González, B, Avilés, P, Santisteban, C, Méndez, R.J, Ferreirós, J, Malpica, N, Santos, A, Gargallo–Viola, D, Regadera, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Candida albicans; Candidiasis - pathology; Communicable Diseases - microbiology; Disease Models, Animal; Infectious diseases; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Male; Medical sciences; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Miscellaneous. Technology; Muscles; Muscular Diseases - microbiology; Muscular Diseases - pathology; Osteoarticular system. Muscles; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Soft Tissue Infections - microbiology; Soft Tissue Infections - pathology; Soft tissues; Thigh - microbiology; Thigh - pathology; Time Factors; Yeast
• ISSN: 0730-725X; 1873-5894
• DOI: 10.1016/S0730-725X(99)00061-2

We have developed an experimental model to monitor inflammatory lesions in muscle and soft-tissues during the different stages of the disease by means of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI of mice legs infected with Candida albicans was performed by standard two-dimensional spin echo and fast spin echo (RARE) using customized coils. The MRI findings were compared with pathologic examinations at the initial acute and established acute inflammatory stages, which provided accurate and detailed information on the evolution of the processes involved. The yeast caused inflammation within the first hours post-inoculation, appearing on T 2-weighted images as an inhomogeneous mass with increased signal intensity. The presence of fungal hyphae was observed as hypointense signal areas in both T 2 and T 1 weighted images, with histologic confirmation. Areas of decreased signal intensity on T 2 weighted images were apparent on the last experimental day and were attributed to the granulation tissue located within the capsule surrounding the abscess. The close correlation found between MRI and histopathology suggests that MRI is an ideal radiologic technique for monitoring the clinical and therapeutic follow-up of fungal infections in muscle and soft tissues.