Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates tumor response following palliative embolization of a recurrent shoulder plasmacytoma

World J Surg Oncol. 2014 Aug 22:12:271. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-12-271.

Abstract

We report the palliative embolization and functional imaging follow-up of a recurrent shoulder plasmacytoma. The multiple myeloma patient complained of severe pain and discomfort, while he could not tolerate further chemotherapy. The left shoulder lesion had earlier received a high dose of irradiation. Thus, the well-vascularized lesion was embolized via feeding arteries branching off from the left subclavian artery in two sessions. The patient's symptoms rapidly improved post-embolization and the serum free light chain ratio stabilized at a lower level. The follow-up magnetic resonance image showed increased diffusivity in previously restricted tumor foci. This has negatively correlated with the decreased fludeoxyglucose uptake on PET, suggesting post-embolization necrosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic*
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Plasmacytoma / pathology*
  • Plasmacytoma / therapy*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Shoulder / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Burden

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18