Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal plasmacytoma

AIM: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of spinal pl asmacytoma, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical records and MRI findings in six patient s (five men, one woman; age range 41-61 years) with histologically proven p lasmacytoma of the spine were reviewed. All studies included sagittal T1- a nd T2-weighted spin-echo sequences and axial T1-weighted spin-echo sequence s. Intravenous gadolinium DTPA was administered in four cases. RESULTS: MRI showed a characteristic appearances in four cases of low signa l intensity curvilinear areas within the vertebra or cortical irregularity. CONCLUSION: Recognition of these imaging features can initiate the appropri ate investigation as the commonest differential diagnosis for such lesions is metastasis. (C) 2000 The Royal College of Radiologists.