Differentiating Multiple Myeloma and Vertebral Metastases Using T1-Weighted MRI Signal Intensity Ratio
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a critical role in identifying vertebral lesions, yet differentiating multiple myeloma from metastases remains challenging. This retrospective study evaluated 100 patients with pathologically confirmed lesions, measuring the signal intensity ratio between spinal lesions and the spinal cord on T1 -weighted MRI. Results revealed a significantly higher signal intensity ratio in multiple myeloma (1.39 ± 0.24) compared to metastases (0.85 ± 0.31), with hepatocellular carcinoma metastases exhibiting a uniquely elevated ratio. The study introduces a practical visual threshold (≥1) that may be used during image interpretation to differentiate these conditions more effectively. The findings highlight a potentially simple, visual diagnostic aid in distinguishing between these spinal pathologies.
Authors: Hanan Sherif, Omar M Aboumarzouk, Mahmoud Al Heidous, Antonio J Santimano, Ahmed Mounir Elsayed, Mohamed AlHassan, Abdulla AlAnsari
Institutions: Hamad Medical Corporation, Hamad General Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410189922