Bone Marrow

Abstract

It is important to recognize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of normal and abnormal bone marrow. With its high tissue contrast, MRI is an excellent technique to evaluate bone marrow well before osseous destruction becomes apparent on radiographs or computed tomography. This chapter discusses the role of various MRI techniques for assessing bone marrow. It also describes normal marrow maturation and reconversion of fatty to hematopoietic marrow. It concludes with a review of neoplastic marrow disorders, emphasizing metastases and hematologic malignancies, and a brief discussion of other infi ltrative and reactive marrow disorders.