Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of bone marrow disorders

ABSTRACT

To determine the role of Magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] in evaluation of bone marrow disorders. Front 2010 to May 2012, suspected bone marrow lesions were evaluated by MRI in 159 cases [94 males and 65 females]. Bone Marrow pathology included in this study were classified into two groups malignant and non malignant 66 patients [41.5%] malignant and 93 patients [58.5%] non-malignant, The 66 patients with malignant group included 33 [50.0%] cases of metastatic disease, 14[21.2%] cases of lymphoma, 10[15.2%] cases of myeloma and 3[4.5%] cases of leukemia. The 93 patients of non-malignant group included 18[19.4%] cases of osteoporotic collapse, 18[19.4%] cases of infectious and inflammatory marrow disorders, 21[22.6] cases of Marrow oedema, 14[15.1%] cases of primary bone tumor, 8[8.6%] cases of marrow reconversion, 10[10.8%] cases of marrow ischemia, 5[5.4%] cases of marrow degenerative disease and 4[4.3%] cases of marrow depletion, myelofibrosis and miscellaneous disorders, MRI is superior to other imaging modalities in evaluating bone marrow because it is remarkably sensitive in detecting lipid, therefore, MRI can be used to detect processes that alter the relative amounts of fat and water in bone marrow. In order to interpret the appearances of marrow seen on MRI and to distinguish normal from abnormal, it is important to understand the normal components and composition of bone marrow, which vary greatly with age and anatomic location within the skeleton. The hone marrow can be affected by infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, and neoplastic processes. Its appearance can he affected as well by underlying degenerative changes, trauma, and numerous iatrogenic therapies, including vertebroplasty, radiation or chemotherapy, and medications designed to stimulate the bone marrow