[Skeletal manifestations of systemic hematologic disorders].

Abstract

Background: Bone marrow consists of connective tissue and stem cells, which generate blood cells. This includes erythropoiesis, leukopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. Thus, hematologic disorders first affect the bone marrow and secondarily the blood.

Methods: Bone marrow changes can be sensitively detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and often represent the initial manifestation of the underlying disease. With longer duration of disease, changes can also be found on X‑ray or computed tomography (CT).

Results: The findings on MRI and X‑ray/CT are often nonspecific and can only be interpreted in the context of clinical information.

Conclusion: In the following article, we provide a brief overview of the clinical manifestations and imaging changes to be expected in leukemia, anemia, and chronic myeloproliferative disorders.