Multiple Myeloma: MRI Findings

Multiple myeboma is the malignant proliferation of plasma cells. The classic radiographic appearance is multiple lytic lesions affecting the axial skeleton. The median age at diagnosis is 65, with wide dissemination throughout the red marrow being the general rule.

Lesions are intermediate to low signal intensity compared to surrounding bone marrow on T1-weighted images (second panel) and high signal intensity on T2 and STIR images (third panel). Post-contrast images reveal enhacement (not shown). The may be also associated soft tissue masses.

Differential considerations based on imaging findings include:

• Metastases:
• Lymphoma:
• Leukemia:
• Langerhans cell histiocytosis:

References

Libshitz HI, Malthouse SR, Cunningham D, MacVicar AD, Husband JE. Multiple myeloma: appearance at MR imaging. Radiology. 1992 Mar;182(3):833-7.