Multiple myeloma Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
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Case Studies |
Multiple myeloma MRI On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Multiple myeloma MRI |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Hannan Javed, M.D.[2]; Haytham Allaham, M.D. [3]; Shyam Patel [4]
MRI may be diagnostic of multiple myeloma.[1]Findings on MRI suggestive of multiple myeloma include infiltration and replacement of the bone marrow.[2][3] MRI is a more expensive test than an X-ray.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than simple X-ray in the detection of lytic lesions of multiple myeloma.[2] The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) recently proposed revised imaging criteria for a diagnosis of multiple myeloma. The MRI criteria is the presence of greater than 1 focal lesion of at least 5mm in size. Of note, MRI is the most expensive of the imaging tests. X-rays may sometimes be a sufficient substitute for assessing for the presence of lytic lesions for patients who are symptomatic. However, X-rays carry a risk for radiation exposure, unlike MRI. Clinical judgment should be used when determining whether to order MRI or X-rays to assess for lytic lesions. MRI may supersede skeletal survey, especially when vertebral disease is suspected.[2]
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