SPATIAL-MAPPING OF THE PERCENTAGE CELLULARITY IN HUMAN BONE-MARROW USING MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING

A noninvasive assay for the spatial distribution of the percentage cel lularity in human bone marrow is presented. Twelve individuals were st udied using two magnetic resonance imaging techniques: (1) fast spin e cho imaging with frequency selective presaturation, and (2) three-poin t chemical shift imaging. The data were compared to results obtained u sing a previously validated stimulated echo spectroscopic method. The results of this study demonstrate that a measure of the percentage cel lularity in bone marrow is possible using magnetic resonance imaging t echniques provided that high-quality water or lipid suppression is ach ieved across the region of interest. Since the method is applicable to bone marrow at any anatomic location, it may prove useful in dosimetr ic calculations during and after a course of internal or external beam radiotherapy. (C) 1996 American Association of Physicists in Medicine .