Utility and Clinical Implications of Appendicular Skeleton Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Institutional 15-Year Experience.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of appendicular skeleton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of multiple myeloma over 15 years.

METHODS

A total of 107 appendicular MRIs were obtained from 67 patients. Variables including age, sex, diagnosis, stage, indication, transplant status, MRI result, and treatment course were analyzed.

RESULTS

The most common indication was pain (76.6%). The most commonly affected bone groups were the proximal lower (54.3%) and upper extremity (47.6%). Most (83%) positive examinations demonstrated focal disease. Advanced Durie-Salmon stage was associated with increase in appendicular disease (P = 0.0056). Increasing age and prior negative positron emission tomography/computed tomography were associated with a decrease in appendicular disease (P = 0.0036 and 0.0011). When neoplasm was seen, 58.5% underwent management alteration. Advanced stage and history of relapse were associated with treatment alterations (P = 0.0096 and 0.0031).

CONCLUSION

Appendicular MRIs comprised 9.6% of MRIs ordered. Appendicular MRI elucidates both neoplastic and nonneoplastic causes of pain. Most examinations with MRI positive for myeloma had subsequent skeletal disease and resulted in altered management.