¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in monoclonal plasma cell disorders

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Plasma cell disorders stem from monoclonal proliferation of lymphoplasmacytic cells in bone marrow.
• Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the most severe and common plasma cell dyscrasia, typically affecting individuals around 60 years old.
• MM exhibits significant heterogeneity in genetics, biology, and clinical presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the heterogeneity of Multiple Myeloma.
• To discuss the role of contemporary imaging modalities in visualizing MM heterogeneity.
• To contextualize MM within its precursor stages.

Main Methods:

• Review of contemporary imaging modalities including PET/CT and MRI.
• Analysis of genetic, biological, and clinical data of Multiple Myeloma patients.
• Examination of the relationship between precursor conditions and MM.

Main Results:

• Multiple Myeloma demonstrates considerable heterogeneity across genetic, biological, and clinical spectra.
• Imaging modalities such as PET/CT and MRI are effective in visualizing this heterogeneity.
• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma are identified as precursor stages to MM.

Conclusions:

• Multiple Myeloma is a heterogeneous disease with diverse imaging manifestations.
• Understanding MM heterogeneity is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Precursor plasma cell disorders are integral to the MM continuum.