The evolving role of MRI in oncohaematological disorders

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has opened new possibilities to current diagnostic radiology in the evaluation of bone marrow. Compared with other imaging modalities, MRI is the only technique able to directly visualise bone marrow with its different components of red and yellow marrow. Other advantages of MRI are high-contrast resolution and multiplanar view, as well as extensive coverage of the skeleton with whole-body MRI (WBMRI). However, specificity of signal alterations of bone marrow is low. Therefore, MRI findings need to be integrated with clinical and laboratory findings as well as with haematological and oncological evaluation. MRI provides information that effectively aids diagnosis, staging and follow-up of various bone marrow disorders. There is increasing interest in the capabilities of MRI in the evaluation of bone marrow, in particular of haematological malignancies. According to some authors much work remains to be done to improve sensitivity and specificity of MRI in order to define the real clinical value of this imaging modality in the multidisciplinary management of patients with a haematological malignancy. This article presents recent developments and perspectives in the use of MRI in oncohaematological diseases.