ABSTRACT
Fungal infections of the musculoskeletal system are uncommon. They are often found
in immunosuppressed or patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or in
patients with a history of travel to an endemic region. Infections often present with
multifocal chronic osteomyelitis or chronic mono- or polyarthritis resembling osteoarticular
tuberculosis. A clinical clue to the correct diagnosis is the presence of overlying
skin sinuses. Radiologists can suggest the correct diagnosis with a good clinical
history, although a biopsy and/or fungal culture is usually necessary before beginning
treatment.
KEYWORDS
Aspergillosis - blastomycosis - candidiasis - cryptococcus - fungal infections - histoplasmosis
- multifocal chronic osteomyelitis - mycetoma - sporotrichosis
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Peter D CorrM.D.
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UAE University
P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
eMail: peter.corr@uaeu.ac.ae
