Serous Atrophy of Bone Marrow in the Feet Diagnosed via Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Report.

Abstract

Serous atrophy of bone marrow (SABM) is characterized by focal replacement of bone marrow elements with extracellular gelatinous substances. It has been associated with a wide range of chronic conditions, including anorexia nervosa, malignancy, chronic kidney disease, and certain chronic infections. Previous literature has reported the disorder as primarily diagnosed via bone marrow biopsy and occurring outside of the distal extremities. Herein we describe a case of SABM occurring in the feet diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a phenomenon that is rarely reported. The patient is a 45-year-old woman with a history of end-stage renal disease, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease who initially presented with nonhealing, bilateral foot ulcers. She subsequently underwent several podiatric medical surgeries due to persistent foot infections and poor wound healing. During her most recent hospitalization, MRIs of her feet were obtained, and findings of abnormal bone marrow signal were attributed to technical malfunction of the MRI coil or scanner. After troubleshooting sources of malfunction, a repeated MRI of the foot was obtained and again demonstrated the same bone marrow signal abnormalities; at this time, SABM was diagnosed. Knowledge of this condition can prevent the misinterpretation of SABM on MRI and prevent the waste of time and medical resources.