Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Insights into Imaging 4/2016

Open Access 01-08-2016 | Pictorial Review

MRI in multiple myeloma: a pictorial review of diagnostic and post-treatment findings

Authors: Julie C. Dutoit, Koenraad L. Verstraete

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 4/2016

Login to get access

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used in the diagnostic work-up of patients with multiple myeloma. Since 2014, MRI findings are included in the new diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Myeloma Working Group. Patients with smouldering myeloma presenting with more than one unequivocal focal lesion in the bone marrow on MRI are considered having symptomatic myeloma requiring treatment, regardless of the presence of lytic bone lesions. However, bone marrow evaluation with MRI offers more than only morphological information regarding the detection of focal lesions in patients with MM. The overall performance of MRI is enhanced by applying dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion weighted imaging sequences, providing additional functional information on bone marrow vascularization and cellularity.
This pictorial review provides an overview of the most important imaging findings in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, smouldering myeloma and multiple myeloma, by performing a ‘total’ MRI investigation with implications for the diagnosis, staging and response assessment.
Main message
• Conventional MRI diagnoses multiple myeloma by assessing the infiltration pattern.
• Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI diagnoses multiple myeloma by assessing vascularization and perfusion.
• Diffusion weighted imaging evaluates bone marrow composition and cellularity in multiple myeloma.
• Combined morphological and functional MRI provides optimal bone marrow assessment for staging.
• Combined morphological and functional MRI is of considerable value in treatment follow-up.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Nanni C, Rubello D, Fanti S et al (2006) Role of 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT imaging in thyroid cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 60:409–413CrossRefPubMed Nanni C, Rubello D, Fanti S et al (2006) Role of 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT imaging in thyroid cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 60:409–413CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Kyle RA, Durie BG, Rajkumar SV et al (2010) Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma: IMWG consensus perspectives risk factors for progression and guidelines for monitoring and management. Leukemia 24:1121–1127CrossRefPubMed Kyle RA, Durie BG, Rajkumar SV et al (2010) Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma: IMWG consensus perspectives risk factors for progression and guidelines for monitoring and management. Leukemia 24:1121–1127CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Rajkumar SV, Dimopoulos MA, Palumbo A et al (2014) International myeloma working group updated criteria for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Lancet Oncol 15:e538–548CrossRefPubMed Rajkumar SV, Dimopoulos MA, Palumbo A et al (2014) International myeloma working group updated criteria for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Lancet Oncol 15:e538–548CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Rajkumar SV (2016) Myeloma today: disease definitions and treatment advances. Am J Hematol 91:90–100CrossRefPubMed Rajkumar SV (2016) Myeloma today: disease definitions and treatment advances. Am J Hematol 91:90–100CrossRefPubMed
6.
7.
go back to reference Dimopoulos MA, Hillengass J, Usmani S et al (2015) Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of patients with multiple myeloma: a consensus statement. J Clin Oncol 33:657–664CrossRefPubMed Dimopoulos MA, Hillengass J, Usmani S et al (2015) Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of patients with multiple myeloma: a consensus statement. J Clin Oncol 33:657–664CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Hillengass J, Landgren O (2013) Challenges and opportunities of novel imaging techniques in monoclonal plasma cell disorders: imaging “early myeloma”. Leuk Lymphoma 54:1355–1363CrossRefPubMed Hillengass J, Landgren O (2013) Challenges and opportunities of novel imaging techniques in monoclonal plasma cell disorders: imaging “early myeloma”. Leuk Lymphoma 54:1355–1363CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Hillengass J, Fechtner K, Weber MA et al (2010) Prognostic significance of focal lesions in whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in patients with asymptomatic multiple myeloma. J Clin Oncol 28:1606–1610CrossRefPubMed Hillengass J, Fechtner K, Weber MA et al (2010) Prognostic significance of focal lesions in whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in patients with asymptomatic multiple myeloma. J Clin Oncol 28:1606–1610CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Padhani AR, Khan AA (2010) Diffusion-weighted (DW) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for monitoring anticancer therapy. Target Oncol 5:39–52CrossRefPubMed Padhani AR, Khan AA (2010) Diffusion-weighted (DW) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for monitoring anticancer therapy. Target Oncol 5:39–52CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Caers J, Withofs N, Hillengass J et al (2014) The role of positron emission tomography-computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and follow up of multiple myeloma. Haematologica 99:629–637CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Caers J, Withofs N, Hillengass J et al (2014) The role of positron emission tomography-computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis and follow up of multiple myeloma. Haematologica 99:629–637CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
12.
go back to reference Derlin T, Weber C, Habermann CR et al (2012) 18F-FDG PET/CT for detection and localization of residual or recurrent disease in patients with multiple myeloma after stem cell transplantation. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 39:493–500CrossRefPubMed Derlin T, Weber C, Habermann CR et al (2012) 18F-FDG PET/CT for detection and localization of residual or recurrent disease in patients with multiple myeloma after stem cell transplantation. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 39:493–500CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Silva JR Jr, Hayashi D, Yonenaga T et al (2013) MRI of bone marrow abnormalities in hematological malignancies. Diagn Interv Radiol 19:393–399PubMed Silva JR Jr, Hayashi D, Yonenaga T et al (2013) MRI of bone marrow abnormalities in hematological malignancies. Diagn Interv Radiol 19:393–399PubMed
14.
go back to reference Vande Berg BC, Malghem J, Lecouvet FE, Maldague B (1998) Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal bone marrow. Skelet Radiol 27:471–483CrossRef Vande Berg BC, Malghem J, Lecouvet FE, Maldague B (1998) Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal bone marrow. Skelet Radiol 27:471–483CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Shah LM, Hanrahan CJ (2011) MRI of spinal bone marrow: part I, techniques and normal age-related appearances. AJR Am J Roentgenol 197:1298–1308CrossRefPubMed Shah LM, Hanrahan CJ (2011) MRI of spinal bone marrow: part I, techniques and normal age-related appearances. AJR Am J Roentgenol 197:1298–1308CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Dutoit JC, Vanderkerken MA, Anthonissen J, Dochy F, Verstraete KL (2014) The diagnostic value of SE MRI and DWI of the spine in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, smouldering myeloma and multiple myeloma. Eur Radiol 24:2754–2765CrossRefPubMed Dutoit JC, Vanderkerken MA, Anthonissen J, Dochy F, Verstraete KL (2014) The diagnostic value of SE MRI and DWI of the spine in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, smouldering myeloma and multiple myeloma. Eur Radiol 24:2754–2765CrossRefPubMed
18.
go back to reference Turkbey B, Thomasson D, Pang Y, Bernardo M, Choyke PL (2010) The role of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Diagn Interv Radiol 16:186–192PubMed Turkbey B, Thomasson D, Pang Y, Bernardo M, Choyke PL (2010) The role of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Diagn Interv Radiol 16:186–192PubMed
19.
go back to reference Verstraete KL, Van der Woude HJ, Hogendoorn PC, De-Deene Y, Kunnen M, Bloem JL (1996) Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of musculoskeletal tumors: basic principles and clinical applications. J Magn Reson Imaging 6:311–321CrossRefPubMed Verstraete KL, Van der Woude HJ, Hogendoorn PC, De-Deene Y, Kunnen M, Bloem JL (1996) Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of musculoskeletal tumors: basic principles and clinical applications. J Magn Reson Imaging 6:311–321CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Dutoit JC, Vanderkerken MA, Verstraete KL (2013) Value of whole body MRI and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in the diagnosis, follow-up and evaluation of disease activity and extent in multiple myeloma. Eur J Radiol 82:1444–1452CrossRefPubMed Dutoit JC, Vanderkerken MA, Verstraete KL (2013) Value of whole body MRI and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in the diagnosis, follow-up and evaluation of disease activity and extent in multiple myeloma. Eur J Radiol 82:1444–1452CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Verstraete KL, Vanzieleghem B, De Deene Y et al (1995) Static, dynamic and first-pass MR imaging of musculoskeletal lesions using gadodiamide injection. Acta Radiol 36:27–36CrossRefPubMed Verstraete KL, Vanzieleghem B, De Deene Y et al (1995) Static, dynamic and first-pass MR imaging of musculoskeletal lesions using gadodiamide injection. Acta Radiol 36:27–36CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Lavini C, de Jonge MC, van de Sande MG, Tak PP, Nederveen AJ, Maas M (2007) Pixel-by-pixel analysis of DCE MRI curve patterns and an illustration of its application to the imaging of the musculoskeletal system. Magn Reson Imaging 25:604–612CrossRefPubMed Lavini C, de Jonge MC, van de Sande MG, Tak PP, Nederveen AJ, Maas M (2007) Pixel-by-pixel analysis of DCE MRI curve patterns and an illustration of its application to the imaging of the musculoskeletal system. Magn Reson Imaging 25:604–612CrossRefPubMed
23.
go back to reference Padhani AR, Leach MO (2005) Antivascular cancer treatments: functional assessments by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Abdom Imaging 30:324–341CrossRefPubMed Padhani AR, Leach MO (2005) Antivascular cancer treatments: functional assessments by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Abdom Imaging 30:324–341CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Garcia-Figueiras R, Padhani AR, Beer AJ et al (2015) Imaging of tumor angiogenesis for radiologists--part 1: biological and technical basis. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 44:407–424CrossRefPubMed Garcia-Figueiras R, Padhani AR, Beer AJ et al (2015) Imaging of tumor angiogenesis for radiologists--part 1: biological and technical basis. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol 44:407–424CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Hayes C, Padhani AR, Leach MO (2002) Assessing changes in tumour vascular function using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. NMR Biomed 15:154–163CrossRefPubMed Hayes C, Padhani AR, Leach MO (2002) Assessing changes in tumour vascular function using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. NMR Biomed 15:154–163CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Padhani AR, van Ree K, Collins DJ, D’Sa S, Makris A (2013) Assessing the relation between bone marrow signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient in diffusion-weighted MRI. AJR Am J Roentgenol 200:163–170CrossRefPubMed Padhani AR, van Ree K, Collins DJ, D’Sa S, Makris A (2013) Assessing the relation between bone marrow signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient in diffusion-weighted MRI. AJR Am J Roentgenol 200:163–170CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Khoo MM, Tyler PA, Saifuddin A, Padhani AR (2011) Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in musculoskeletal MRI: a critical review. Skeleta Radiol 40:665–681CrossRef Khoo MM, Tyler PA, Saifuddin A, Padhani AR (2011) Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in musculoskeletal MRI: a critical review. Skeleta Radiol 40:665–681CrossRef
28.
go back to reference Bannas P, Hentschel HB, Bley TA et al (2012) Diagnostic performance of whole-body MRI for the detection of persistent or relapsing disease in multiple myeloma after stem cell transplantation. Eur Radiol 22:2007–2012CrossRefPubMed Bannas P, Hentschel HB, Bley TA et al (2012) Diagnostic performance of whole-body MRI for the detection of persistent or relapsing disease in multiple myeloma after stem cell transplantation. Eur Radiol 22:2007–2012CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Padhani AR, Koh DM, Collins DJ (2011) Whole-body diffusion-weighted MR imaging in cancer: current status and research directions. Radiology 261:700–718CrossRefPubMed Padhani AR, Koh DM, Collins DJ (2011) Whole-body diffusion-weighted MR imaging in cancer: current status and research directions. Radiology 261:700–718CrossRefPubMed
30.
31.
go back to reference Merz M, Hielscher T, Wagner B et al (2014) Predictive value of longitudinal whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in patients with smoldering multiple myeloma. Leukemia 28:1902–1908CrossRefPubMed Merz M, Hielscher T, Wagner B et al (2014) Predictive value of longitudinal whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in patients with smoldering multiple myeloma. Leukemia 28:1902–1908CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Hillengass J, Zechmann C, Bauerle T et al (2009) Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging identifies a subgroup of patients with asymptomatic monoclonal plasma cell disease and pathologic microcirculation. Clin Cancer Res 15:3118–3125CrossRefPubMed Hillengass J, Zechmann C, Bauerle T et al (2009) Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging identifies a subgroup of patients with asymptomatic monoclonal plasma cell disease and pathologic microcirculation. Clin Cancer Res 15:3118–3125CrossRefPubMed
33.
go back to reference Schmidt GP, Reiser MF, Baur-Melnyk A (2007) Whole-body imaging of the musculoskeletal system: the value of MR imaging. Skelet Radiol 36:1109–1119CrossRef Schmidt GP, Reiser MF, Baur-Melnyk A (2007) Whole-body imaging of the musculoskeletal system: the value of MR imaging. Skelet Radiol 36:1109–1119CrossRef
34.
go back to reference Alyas F, Saifuddin A, Connell D (2007) MR imaging evaluation of the bone marrow and marrow infiltrative disorders of the lumbar spine. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 15(199–219):vi Alyas F, Saifuddin A, Connell D (2007) MR imaging evaluation of the bone marrow and marrow infiltrative disorders of the lumbar spine. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 15(199–219):vi
35.
go back to reference Baur-Melnyk A, Buhmann S, Durr HR, Reiser M (2005) Role of MRI for the diagnosis and prognosis of multiple myeloma. Eur J Radiol 55:56–63CrossRefPubMed Baur-Melnyk A, Buhmann S, Durr HR, Reiser M (2005) Role of MRI for the diagnosis and prognosis of multiple myeloma. Eur J Radiol 55:56–63CrossRefPubMed
36.
go back to reference Stabler A, Baur A, Bartl R, Munker R, Lamerz R, Reiser MF (1996) Contrast enhancement and quantitative signal analysis in MR imaging of multiple myeloma: assessment of focal and diffuse growth patterns in marrow correlated with biopsies and survival rates. AJR Am J Roentgenol 167:1029–1036CrossRefPubMed Stabler A, Baur A, Bartl R, Munker R, Lamerz R, Reiser MF (1996) Contrast enhancement and quantitative signal analysis in MR imaging of multiple myeloma: assessment of focal and diffuse growth patterns in marrow correlated with biopsies and survival rates. AJR Am J Roentgenol 167:1029–1036CrossRefPubMed
37.
go back to reference Jakob C, Sterz J, Zavrski I et al (2006) Angiogenesis in multiple myeloma. Eur J Cancer 42:1581–1590CrossRefPubMed Jakob C, Sterz J, Zavrski I et al (2006) Angiogenesis in multiple myeloma. Eur J Cancer 42:1581–1590CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Baur A, Bartl R, Pellengahr C, Baltin V, Reiser M (2004) Neovascularization of bone marrow in patients with diffuse multiple myeloma: a correlative study of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathologic findings. Cancer 101:2599–2604CrossRefPubMed Baur A, Bartl R, Pellengahr C, Baltin V, Reiser M (2004) Neovascularization of bone marrow in patients with diffuse multiple myeloma: a correlative study of magnetic resonance imaging and histopathologic findings. Cancer 101:2599–2604CrossRefPubMed
39.
go back to reference Moehler TM, Hawighorst H, Neben K et al (2001) Bone marrow microcirculation analysis in multiple myeloma by contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Int J Cancer 93:862–868CrossRefPubMed Moehler TM, Hawighorst H, Neben K et al (2001) Bone marrow microcirculation analysis in multiple myeloma by contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Int J Cancer 93:862–868CrossRefPubMed
40.
go back to reference Zha Y, Li M, Yang J (2010) Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of diffuse spinal bone marrow infiltration in patients with hematological malignancies. Korean J Radiol 11:187–194CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Zha Y, Li M, Yang J (2010) Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of diffuse spinal bone marrow infiltration in patients with hematological malignancies. Korean J Radiol 11:187–194CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
41.
go back to reference Nosas-Garcia S, Moehler T, Wasser K et al (2005) Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for assessing the disease activity of multiple myeloma: a comparative study with histology and clinical markers. J Magn Reson Imaging 22:154–162CrossRefPubMed Nosas-Garcia S, Moehler T, Wasser K et al (2005) Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for assessing the disease activity of multiple myeloma: a comparative study with histology and clinical markers. J Magn Reson Imaging 22:154–162CrossRefPubMed
42.
go back to reference Lecouvet FE, Larbi A, Pasoglou V et al (2013) MRI for response assessment in metastatic bone disease. Eur Radiol 23:1986–1997CrossRefPubMed Lecouvet FE, Larbi A, Pasoglou V et al (2013) MRI for response assessment in metastatic bone disease. Eur Radiol 23:1986–1997CrossRefPubMed
43.
go back to reference Daldrup-Link HE, Henning T, Link TM (2007) MR imaging of therapy-induced changes of bone marrow. Eur Radiol 17:743–761CrossRefPubMed Daldrup-Link HE, Henning T, Link TM (2007) MR imaging of therapy-induced changes of bone marrow. Eur Radiol 17:743–761CrossRefPubMed
44.
go back to reference Moulopoulos LA, Koutoulidis V (2015) Bone marrow MRI, a pattern-based approach. Springer, Milan Moulopoulos LA, Koutoulidis V (2015) Bone marrow MRI, a pattern-based approach. Springer, Milan
45.
go back to reference Fenchel M, Konaktchieva M, Weisel K et al (2010) Early response assessment in patients with multiple myeloma during anti-angiogenic therapy using arterial spin labelling: first clinical results. Eur Radiol 20:2899–2906CrossRefPubMed Fenchel M, Konaktchieva M, Weisel K et al (2010) Early response assessment in patients with multiple myeloma during anti-angiogenic therapy using arterial spin labelling: first clinical results. Eur Radiol 20:2899–2906CrossRefPubMed
46.
go back to reference Horger M, Weisel K, Horger W, Mroue A, Fenchel M, Lichy M (2011) Whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI with apparent diffusion coefficient mapping for early response monitoring in multiple myeloma: preliminary results. AJR Am J Roentgenol 196:W790–795CrossRefPubMed Horger M, Weisel K, Horger W, Mroue A, Fenchel M, Lichy M (2011) Whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI with apparent diffusion coefficient mapping for early response monitoring in multiple myeloma: preliminary results. AJR Am J Roentgenol 196:W790–795CrossRefPubMed
47.
go back to reference Giles SL, Messiou C, Collins DJ et al (2014) Whole-body diffusion-weighted MR imaging for assessment of treatment response in myeloma. Radiology 271:785–794CrossRefPubMed Giles SL, Messiou C, Collins DJ et al (2014) Whole-body diffusion-weighted MR imaging for assessment of treatment response in myeloma. Radiology 271:785–794CrossRefPubMed
48.
go back to reference Lin C, Luciani A, Belhadj K et al (2010) Multiple myeloma treatment response assessment with whole-body dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Radiology 254:521–531CrossRefPubMed Lin C, Luciani A, Belhadj K et al (2010) Multiple myeloma treatment response assessment with whole-body dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Radiology 254:521–531CrossRefPubMed
49.
go back to reference Zechmann CM, Traine L, Meissner T et al (2012) Parametric histogram analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in multiple myeloma: a technique to evaluate angiogenic response to therapy? Acad Radiol 19:100–108CrossRefPubMed Zechmann CM, Traine L, Meissner T et al (2012) Parametric histogram analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in multiple myeloma: a technique to evaluate angiogenic response to therapy? Acad Radiol 19:100–108CrossRefPubMed
50.
go back to reference Dutoit JC, Claus E, Offner F, Noens L, Delanghe J, Verstraete KL (2016) Combined evaluation of conventional MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion weighted imaging for response evaluation of patients with multiple myeloma. Eur J Radiol 85:373–382CrossRefPubMed Dutoit JC, Claus E, Offner F, Noens L, Delanghe J, Verstraete KL (2016) Combined evaluation of conventional MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and diffusion weighted imaging for response evaluation of patients with multiple myeloma. Eur J Radiol 85:373–382CrossRefPubMed
51.
go back to reference Koh DM (2010) Qualitative and quantitative analyses: image evaluation and interpretation. In: Koh DMTH (ed) Diffusion-weighted MR imaging applications in the body. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 33–47CrossRef Koh DM (2010) Qualitative and quantitative analyses: image evaluation and interpretation. In: Koh DMTH (ed) Diffusion-weighted MR imaging applications in the body. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 33–47CrossRef
52.
go back to reference Derlin T, Bannas P (2014) Imaging of multiple myeloma: current concepts. World J Orthod 5:272–282CrossRef Derlin T, Bannas P (2014) Imaging of multiple myeloma: current concepts. World J Orthod 5:272–282CrossRef
Metadata
Title
MRI in multiple myeloma: a pictorial review of diagnostic and post-treatment findings
Authors
Julie C. Dutoit
Koenraad L. Verstraete
Publication date
01-08-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Insights into Imaging / Issue 4/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-016-0492-7

Other articles of this Issue 4/2016

Insights into Imaging 4/2016 Go to the issue