MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE BONE-MARROW IN LYMPHOMAS AND LEUKEMIAS

This article reviews MRI techniques and results in the assessment of b one marrow in patients with lymphoma. MRI is more sensitive than blind biopsy (BB) in detecting bone marrow invasion. False-negative results have been reported in low-grade non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and chro nic lymphocytic leukemia. Bone marrow imaging is particularly indicate d in patients with Hodgkin's disease, high grade NHL or myelocytic leu kemia, with a negative BB and abnormal clinical (stage B, bone pains) or biochemical data (elevated alkaline phosphatase) and who have relap sed. During treatment, MR imaging is a valuable tool for the evaluatio n of response and the diagnosis of benign bone marrow complications. K nowledge of post-therapeutic patterns is essential to avoid misinterpr etations. The main drawback with this technique is its inability to di fferentiate residual lesions from fibrosis and needle guided-biopsy is mandatory if treatment decision-making relies on the MR result, alone .