Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal plasmacytoma.
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.
Shah
B K
BK
Department of Radiology, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Trust, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP.
Saifuddin
A
A
Price
G J
GJ
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*
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA