DIFFUSE DEMINERALIZATION OF THE LUMBAR SP INE - MR-IMAGING STUDIES INOSTEOPOROSIS AND MULTIPLE-MYELOMA

On plain radiographs, diffuse infiltration of the spine in multiple my eloma may present as diffuse demineralization. Differentiation from os teoporotic changes is then difficult. 15 patients with multiple myelom a and 15 patients with osteoporosis were prospectively examined by MRI using plain and contrast enhanced gradient echo techniques. Examinati ons were evaluated for lesions and diagnosis was made by two independe nt observers. Contrast enhancement was visible in lesions detected in myeloma patients and in compression fractures. Fractures could be diff erentiated from malignant lesions by the fact that there was no multip licity of enhancing lesions. Contrast enhanced opposed phase gradient echo sequences seem suited for the detection of vertebral envolvement in myeloma.