MRI findings in serous atrophy of bone marrow in spinal imaging

Abstract

Introduction: Serous atrophy of bone marrow (SABM) is a rare, and potentially reversible, cause of diffuse look, irregular bone marrow and subcutaneous adipose tissue appearances on magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI). SABM has also been named gelatinous bone marrow transformation (GTMB) or ‘starvation marrow’. Purpose: The aim of the article is to represent a case report of ‘flip-flop’ phenomenon in SABM and GTBM pathology. Material and methods: This case report highlights an unexpected image appearance of an occurrence ‘flip-flop’ effect which is characteristic in the condition of serous atrophy of bone marrow (SABM). The literature search was conducted using medical scientific electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Results / Case Study: An 44-year old man was appointed for an MRI examination. MRI images result like a technical failure, but are actually a specific imaging pattern related to the clinical problem. For clarity of unexpected images appearances, the radiographer repeated scans on a second vendor of MRI machine, but there still was the same appearance, like on the first scanner. The result of the literature review and the characteristics indicate We describe an example of the »flipflop« phenomenon in SABM and GTBM. Discussion and Conclusion: Serous atrophy or gelatinous malformations of bone marrow is not a normal disease, but indicates an underlying illness that starves the bone marrow, particularly the fatty marrow. We describe a case report of ‘flip flop’ phenomenon in SABM and GTBM pathology, where MRI images result like a technical failure, but are actually a specific imaging pattern related to the clinical problem.