Fever and back pain. Evaluate for discitis. Diffusion-weighted images demonstrate mild diffusion restriction involving the L4-L5 disc space and adjacent endplates suspicious for discitis-osteomyelitis (sagittal series 601 images 72, 88, 104). No abnormal diffusion signal is appreciated in the epidural space or paraspinous soft tissues.
Mild diffusion restriction at the L4-L5 level is suggestive of early discitis-osteomyelitis. Please refer to separate report from same day regarding additional findings in the lumbar spine.