Patterns of non-oncological bone marrow edema on MRI in cancer patients: Clues to Underlying Pathology

Congress:

ECR 2019

Poster Number:

C-2226

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Neoplasia, Multidisciplinary cancer care, Observer performance, MR, Oncology, Musculoskeletal bone, MR physics

Authors:

B. Alvarez de Sierra Garcia, A. Alonso Burgos, F. M. Caballeros, G. Gallardo Madueño, C. Sobrido, V. M. Suárez Vega; MADRID/ES

DOI:

10.26044/ecr2019/C-2226

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2019/C-2226

Fig. 3

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Learning objectives

To understand the etiologies of bone marrow edema in cancer patients To learn about the imaging patterns of these pathologies and their prognostic value

Background

INTRODUCTION Fig. 1 Bone marrow edema is a pattern of marrow alteration frequently observed at MRI in cancer patients. Distinguishing metastatic disease from non-oncological bone marrow edema can sometimes be challenging; however, there are several clues that can be used in the differentiation. The main task of the radiologist is to asses the bone marrow edema and to form an appropriate differential diagnosis by identify specific patterns and/or locations of bone marrow edema. Recognizing these patterns of bone marrow edema on MRI is essential in...

Findings and procedure details

Imaging findings Before discussing the patterns of bone marrow edema, it is important to review components of bone marrow (i.e., red vs. yellow marrow). Bone marrow Marrow is composed of fat, water, and protein (hematopoietic cells). The proportion of each component varies between red and yellow marrow. Yellow marrow is composed of a higher proportion of fat (80%), and red marrow is composed of a higher proportion of protein (20%). The distribution of red and yellow marrow is a dynamic process that changes with age...

Conclusion

Bone marrow edema in cancer patients detected on MRI is a nonspecific finding, which can be due to non-oncologic causes. There are clues to underlying non-oncological bone marrow edema that limit the differential diagnosis or are pathognomonic for specific diagnoses It is essential to be familiarized with these patterns of bone marrow edema in order to select the most appropiate treatment in cancer patients

Personal information

References

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