62-year-old female with right foot cellulitis. Evaluate for abscess or osteomyelitis. Questionable low T1 signal, increased STIR signal, and mild enhancement is present at the base of the fourth proximal phalanx. These findings are suspicious for osteomyelitis.Soft tissue abnormality is noted along the plantar aspect of the second and third MCP joints. This lesion demonstrates increased STIR signal and slight peripheral enhancement and thus may represent phlegmon or a developing abscess. An additional fluid collection is also noted dorsal to the second and third MCP joints. Adjacent to this collection, slight enhancement is noted within the second and third metatarsal heads, and thus osteomyelitis cannot be excluded at this site.
1.Findings suspicious for osteomyelitis at the base of the fourth proximal phalanx as described above. Extension of infection to the second and third metatarsal heads cannot be excluded.2.Probable phlegmon or developing abscess within the plantar soft tissues adjacent to the second and third MCP joints.