Page 289 - Essential Haematology

Chapter 21 Multiple myeloma and related disorders / 275

(a)

Figure 21.3 (a) Multiple myeloma: X - ray of lumbar spine
showing severe demineralization with partial collapse of L 3 .

(b) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of spine: T 2 - weighted
study. There is infi ltration and destruction of L 3 and L 5 with
bulging of the posterior part of the body of L 3 into the spinal
canal compressing the corda equina (arrowed). Radiotherapy

has caused a marrow signal change in vertebrae C 2 – D 4 because
of replacement of normal red marrow by fat (bright white
signal). (Courtesy of Dr A. Platts.) (b)