This presentation will focus on the many complications afflicting the bones and joints of the feet and ankle in patients with Diabetes Mellitus, emphasizing their imaging manifestations.It will focus specifically on the role of MRI in the diagnosis; as a stand-alone modality but also in conjunction with other imaging tests. The importance of the role of the MR radiologist working in conjunction with clinicians and interventional radiologists and surgeons will also be discussed as a model of care delivering optimal outcomes for these patients
Diabetic complications in the lower extremity are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and impact heavily upon the public health system. Early and accurate recognition of these abnormalities is crucial, enabling the early initiation of treatments and thus avoiding or minimizing deformity, dysfunction and amputation. Following careful clinical assessment, radiologic imaging is central to the diagnostic and follow-up process. The utilization of MRI, especially early in the evolution of diabetic-related disease of the foot is proving to be increasingly important in accurate early diagnosis, allowing for expeditious interventions and minimization of morbidity, particularly amputation.
The main focus of this lecture will be to outline the numerous complications of diabetes in the bones and joints of the feet and ankles, to briefly discuss their patho-aetiology and imaging manifestations. Most imaging modalities that are routinely used will be touched upon, however emphasis will be given to the use of MRI in these cases, emphasizing this modality's capability to delineate early onset of complications in the diabetic foot, often with increased specificity when compared to other modalities. The combination of MRI and plain radiography and/ or CT will be emphasized as offering the highest specificity in imaging evaluation of these conditions afflicting the diabetic foot and ankle
The lecture will also address some of the difficulties encountered by clinicians in differentiating different conditions in the diabetic foot, and how the experienced and astute imaging Radiologist, working as part of a multidisciplinary team, can make a very significant contribution to ensure expedious intervention and optimal outcomes for these patients.
Dr Marcela Mautone MD
Dr Victor Liu MD
Dr Shan Bergin PhD