Whole body diffusion weighted MRI--a new view of myeloma

Abstract

The recent consensus statement from the International Myeloma Working Group has introduced the role of whole body (WB) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into the management pathway for patients with multiple myeloma. The speed, coverage and high sensitivity of WB diffusion weighted (DW)-MRI and the unique capability to quantify both burden of disease and response to treatment has led to increasing implementation at leading centres worldwide for imaging malignant marrow disease, both primary and metastatic. WB DW-MRI is likely to have a significant impact on management decisions and pathways for patients with multiple myeloma. This review will introduce the basic principles of DW-MRI, present current evidence for patients with myeloma and will discuss practicalities and exciting future applications.

Keywords: MRI; MRI myeloma; functional studies; imaging; myeloma.