3T MRI evaluation of bone marrow changes of non traumatic adult spine

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and extent of involvement in various non traumatic bone marrow pathologies of spine using 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Aims: To study the MRI signal changes, prevalence, extent and involvement of marrow various bone marrow pathologies in spine.Settings and Design: Cohort hospital based study.Material and method: A prospective study of 100 patients,with clinically suspected pathology involving the spine underwent imaging tests, MRI of spine on a 3.0 Tesla Siemen’s Vida Magneton. Results: Various pathologies of spine were diagnosed in these patients based on clinical suspicion, correlation, radiological and hematological findings and treated accordingly.Maximum cases were degenerative. An almost equal male to female distribution was seen in our study group. Maximum patients were found in the age group of 41-60.Conclusion: Changes in normal pattern of bone marrow with advancing age should be understood and is important to correctly approach for various bone marrow pathologies. While standard imaging of bone marrow is based on a few standard sequences (in particular T1-weighted and STIR sequences) new techniques are being developed to better characterize certain pathologic conditions.Hence MRI serves as a screening method in bone marrow disorders and the diagnosis is established in context with the clinical findings or by biopsy.