Hematopoietic bone marrow hyperplasia: correlation of spinal MR findings, hematologic parameters, and bone mineral density in endurance athletes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of hematopoietic hyperplasia on spinal magnetic resonance (MR) images in endurance athletes and to correlate MR alterations with clinical parameters.


METHODS
In 15 endurance athletes, MR images of the lumbar spine were analyzed for hematopoietic hyperplasia; vertebral T1 and T2 were determined. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined, blood tests were performed, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured.


RESULTS
Nine subjects showed evidence of hematopoietic hyperplasia: Eight showed T1 prolongation, and six had patchy or diffuse T1 hypointensity. No definite correlation existed between hematopoietic hyperplasia and duration of training, hematologic results, or VO2max levels. Borderline significance existed between hematopoietic hyperplasia and anemia (P = .103) and intensity of training (P = .09). BMD had no statistically significant effect on T1.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in BMD do not appear to contribute to MR marrow changes that are consistent with hematopoietic hyperplasia. Depleted iron reserves or increased hematopoiesis probably contribute to hematopoietic hyperplasia in endurance athletes.
Caldemeyer
K S
KS
Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, University Hospital, Indianapolis 46202-5253, USA.
Smith
R R
RR
Harris
A
A
Williams
T
T
Huang
Y
Y
Eckert
G J
GJ
Slemenda
C W
CW
D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology; D015519:Bone Density; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology; D014142:Track and Field / Q000502:physiology