Clin Osteol 2013; 18(4): 143-145

Comparing the contribution of conventional radiography, whole-body MRI and whole-body low-dose CT in the diagnosis of myeloma bone diseaseReview articles

J. Minařík, J. Hrbek, T. Plika, M. Heřman, J. Bačovský, M. Mysliveček, V. Ščudla

The aim of the paper is to compare the contribution of three imaging methods used in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma in accor­ dance with recent guidelines. Conventional radiography is easily accessible and economically convenient examination which is re­ commended in all patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Its limitations are low sensitivity and high percentage of false-ne­ gative findings. Therefore, it should not remain the "gold standard" but should be supported with more sophisticated methods. Magnetic resonance imaging provides significant contribution with higher sensitivity and specificity. It enables to assess bone marrow processes and extramedullary spread including damage to the spinal cord or nerve structures. It shifts the borders of the symptoma­ tic form of multiple myeloma and has also prognostic potential in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined signifi­ cance. Low-dose computed tomography (CT) is an alternative for the whole-body assessment. It can be performed using standard CT scanners with reduced radiation exposure. It is fast, sensitive and economically accessible with potent access to magnetic resonance imaging.

Keywords: multiple myeloma, myeloma bone disease, conventional radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, whole-body low-dose computed tomography

Published: December 11, 2013  Show citation