Multiple myeloma

Case contributed by Mohammad Osama Hussein Yonso
Diagnosis probable
x-ray

Bony lytic lesions in skull are well defined, as if 'punched out'.

Case Discussion

Multiple myeloma is the most common primary malignant bone neoplasm in adults and results in a wide range of radiographic abnormalities.

Multiple myeloma may simulate carcinomatosis radiologically, but is distinguishable from it by the absence of a known primary lesion and the presence of Bence-Jones proteins in the urine, an abnormal serum electrophoretic pattern with an excess of gamma globulin, and myeloma cells in a marrow biopsy sample.

Four main radiological patterns are recognized 9:

  • type 1: solitary - similar in appearance to bone cysts
  • type 2: multiple osteolytic lesions without marginal sclerosis
    • central
    • peripheral
  • type 3: diffuse osteoporosis with generalized involvement
  • type 4: diffuse osteosclerosis

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.