Soft tissue swelling infectious? do you know if a radiologist can diagnose soft tissue swelling as the result of an infection through an mri scan?

Short : Short answer = usually not (unless the infection has formed a pocket of pus called an abscess or if it has invaded into bone). An MRI will show the radiologist if there is edema (fluid and inflammation) in the soft tissue, but a lot of different things can cause edema in the soft tissue (such as trauma, injury, problems with veins or arteries, inflammatory disorders like lupus, etc). The first place to start is a physical exam by your primary care provider. Blood tests along with the physical exam findings should indicate whether there is a possible infection. Now, if your primary care provider suspects an abscess then either mri, ct, or ultrasound would be useful to identify an abscess (ultrasound is often the most cost effective). This is important because an abscess must usually be drained surgically rather than simply treated with antibiotics. If your doctor suspects that the infection has spread to involve bone (this is called osteomyelitis), then MRI is the best imaging modality for further evaluation.

Yes: Certain pathologies (infections included) can be seen in magnetic resonance imaging. It is most effective at pin pointing the area and extent of the infection or effusion of fluid. This is a very specific area of radiology and must be diagnosed by a specialist.

Sometimes: Soft tissue swelling by itself is not specific for infection. However in the right clinical setting it may be suggested. If other findings of infection are present, then it might be stated way.