Musculoskeletal CT Appearances

Cellulitis CT Findings

• Soft tissue swelling
• Displacement of fat planes
• Increased attenuation in subcutaneous fat
• May have radiopaque foreign bodies, soft tissue gas, and/or abscesses
• Limited to subcutaneous tissue, hypodermis, and superficial fascia

Other Information About Cellulitis

Etiology:

• Caused by bacteria that gets under the skin

Epidemiology:

• Patients with chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and athlete’s foot are more susceptible to cellulitis

Presentation:

• Discoloration and/or swelling of skin
• Tenderness
• Skin warm to touch
• Blisters
• Fever
• Chills

Prognosis:

• Can be treated with antibiotics
• Untreated cellulitis may lead to serious complications