Intracranial involvement by multiple myeloma
A Lasocki1, S Gangatharan2, F Gaillard3
1Department of Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Intracranial involvement is a rare complication of multiple myeloma. It results either from direct extra-osseous spread from adjacent skeletal plasmacytomas or extra-medullary disease via haematogenous dissemination. The imaging appearances are non-specific, and dural, leptomeningeal, and parenchymal involvement can all occur. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the various neuroimaging appearances of this rare entity, focusing on MRI.
Insights
Intracranial involvement in multiple myeloma is rare, arising from direct spread or blood dissemination. This review highlights the diverse neuroimaging findings, particularly on MRI, for this uncommon complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy.
- Intracranial involvement is an infrequent but serious complication.
- This can manifest as dural, leptomeningeal, or parenchymal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and illustrate the neuroimaging features of intracranial multiple myeloma.
- To focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.
- To aid in the diagnosis of this rare entity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cases with intracranial multiple myeloma.
- Analysis of neuroimaging findings, primarily MRI.
- Correlation of imaging with pathological findings where available.
Main Results:
- Intracranial involvement can occur via direct extension or hematogenous spread.
- Neuroimaging findings are often non-specific.
- Various patterns of dural, leptomeningeal, and parenchymal disease are observed on MRI.
Conclusions:
- Intracranial involvement in multiple myeloma requires high suspicion.
- MRI is crucial for detecting and characterizing these lesions.
- Radiologists and clinicians should be aware of the diverse imaging spectrum.
