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Multifocal bone and bone marrow lesions in children — MRI findings

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Abstract

Polyostotic bone and bone marrow lesions in children may be due to various disorders. Radiographically, lytic lesions may become apparent after loss of more than 50% of the bone mineral content. Scintigraphy requires osteoblastic activity and is not specific. MRI may significantly contribute to the correct diagnosis and management. Accurate interpretation of MRI examinations requires understanding of the normal conversion pattern of bone marrow in childhood and of the appearances of red marrow rests and hyperplasia. Differential diagnosis is wide: Malignancies include metastases, multifocal primary sarcomas and hematological diseases. Benign entities include benign tumors and tumor-like lesions, histiocytosis, infectious and inflammatory diseases, multiple stress fractures/reactions and bone infarcts/ischemia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Maria Raissaki, Stelios Demetriou, Konstantinos Spanakis, Christos Skiadas & Apostolos H. Karantanas

  2. Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Faculty of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Nikolaos Katzilakis & Eftichia Stiakaki

  3. Orthopedic Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Emmanouil G. Velivassakis

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  1. Maria Raissaki
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  2. Stelios Demetriou
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Raissaki, M., Demetriou, S., Spanakis, K. et al. Multifocal bone and bone marrow lesions in children — MRI findings. Pediatr Radiol 47, 342–360 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-016-3737-1

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