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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does this lumbar Spine MRI Result Mean?

I had a lumbar spine mri without contrast and one of the findings is lumbar vertebrae have normal height and alignment with diffuse heterogeneous marrow signal, possible due to anemia . what does this mean? I am anemic and take iron supplements but this is the first time something has been mentioned on an mri. Should I be concerned?
Mon, 21 Sep 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hello

Diffuse heterogeneous marrow signal may be due to excessive demand for additional hematopoiesis (seen in stress,chronic anemia,extensive marrow replacement etc).It may also seen in leukemia etc.It is due to conversion of red to yellow marrow.It is a reverse process.
Generally with aging red marrow get convert to yellow marrow.
MR imaging appearance of bone marrow depends on the presence and relative proportions of trabecular bone,fat and water.
You may require further evaluation.
It may be due to anemia in your case.

Get well soon.
Take Care
Dr.Indu Bhushan
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What Does this lumbar Spine MRI Result Mean?

Hello Diffuse heterogeneous marrow signal may be due to excessive demand for additional hematopoiesis (seen in stress,chronic anemia,extensive marrow replacement etc).It may also seen in leukemia etc.It is due to conversion of red to yellow marrow.It is a reverse process. Generally with aging red marrow get convert to yellow marrow. MR imaging appearance of bone marrow depends on the presence and relative proportions of trabecular bone,fat and water. You may require further evaluation. It may be due to anemia in your case. Get well soon. Take Care Dr.Indu Bhushan