Radiological reasoning: bone marrow changes on MRI.
OBJECTIVE
Differentiating neoplastic from nonneoplastic bone marrow changes on imaging can be challenging. MRI provides the most helpful information when using T1-weighted and opposed-phase (chemical shift) sequences. We discuss the MRI assessment of bone marrow in the context of a complex clinical case.


CONCLUSIONS
The case shows a false-positive result of opposed-phase imaging of bone marrow, which was a postinflammatory cause resulting in marrow fibrosis that mimicked neoplastic marrow infiltration and necessitated biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
Swartz
Paul G
PG
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA.
Roberts
Catherine C
CC
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology*; D019046:Bone Marrow Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D055728:Primary Myelofibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis*