Spinal bone marrow necrosis with vertebral compression fracture: differentiation of BMN from AVN.
Bone marrow necrosis (BMN) is a rare malignancy-associated hematologic disorder characterized by necrosis of myeloid and stromal marrow elements with preservation of cortical bone. Overlap between the imaging appearances of BMN and avascular necrosis (AVN) raises the potential for diagnostic confusion. We report a case of BMN presenting with a traumatic multi-level vertebral body collapse, and finding that may potentially confound distinction between the two entities. We discuss important pathophysiologic, clinical, and radiologic differences between BMN and AVN with emphasis on features important in the differential diagnosis.
College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Slot 556, 4301 W., Markham St., Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
J S
JS
Nix
R T
RT
Fitzgerald
R S
RS
Samant
M
M
Harrison
E J
EJ
Angtuaco
D001855:Bone Marrow Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D050815:Fractures, Compression / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*