Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Bone Marrow: A Review – Part I

Bone marrow is a complex organ containing undifferentiated cells from which the various constituents of blood originate. Under the control of hormones, cytokines and growth factors, normal marrow is susceptible to proliferation or suppression secondary to multiple influences, to include infection, medications, radiation, toxins, neoplasms, and nutritional deficiencies, among others. While histopathologic examination is the primary means for evaluating bone marrow, detection of marrow abnormality often occurs during medical imaging. In part I of our review, the normal MRI appearance of bone marrow and its pattern of maturation from birth to adulthood will be discussed. We will then discuss disease processes characterized by marrow depletion, followed by a discussion of treatment-related marrow changes and marrow conditions which are not otherwise easily categorized. In part II of our review, bone marrow edema, myeloproliferative disease, marrow infiltration and replacement, and marrow ischemia will be covered in detail.