title: Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal plasmacytoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of spinal plasmacytoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  The clinical records and MRI findings in six patients (five men, one woman; age range 41-61 years) with histologically proven plasmacytoma of the spine were reviewed. All studies included sagittal T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo sequences and axial T1-weighted spin-echo sequences. Intravenous gadolinium DTPA was administered in four cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MRI showed a characteristic appearances in four cases of low signal intensity curvilinear areas within the vertebra or cortical irregularity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recognition of these imaging features can initiate the appropriate investigation as the commonest differential diagnosis for such lesions is metastasis.Shah, B. K. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 439-445.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Trust, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP.
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saifuddin
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010954:Plasmacytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA