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Clival marrow changes in AIDS: findings at MR imaging
S Eustace1, D McGrath, M Albrecht
1Department of Radiological Sciences, Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215.
Radiology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Abnormalities in the clivus bone marrow are common in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These magnetic resonance imaging findings may indicate advanced disease and lower CD4 counts.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- The clivus is a bone at the base of the skull.
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can affect various parts of the body, including bone marrow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of clival marrow changes on MRI in patients with AIDS.
- To assess the clinical significance of these findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MRI scans from 119 patients with AIDS and 119 controls.
- Classification of clival marrow signal intensity into three types (normal and two abnormal).
- Correlation with CD4 counts, systemic disease, and coexistent conditions.
Main Results:
- Abnormal clival marrow signal intensity was found in 54% of AIDS patients versus 7.5% of controls (P < .001).
- Abnormalities correlated with lower CD4 counts (P < .001) and presence of systemic disease (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Clival marrow signal abnormality is a frequent finding in patients with AIDS.
- This MRI finding may serve as a marker for advanced disease in AIDS patients.