What are dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies. Bone marrow: why there are signs of swelling on MRI Fatty conversion of bone marrow what

Doctors say that the condition of the entire body largely depends on the health of the spine. But a person often does not take care of his musculoskeletal system, subjecting it to heavy loads, leading an inactive lifestyle, and sitting at the computer for a long time. As a result of this, degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in the spine, subsequently causing osteochondrosis.

Fatty degeneration of the bone marrow of the vertebral bodies is a change in tissue, accompanied by the accumulation of a lot of fat in the cells. At the same time, the protoplasm of the cell can be converted into it due to the fact that fat grains get inside it. Such disturbances cause the death of the cell nucleus, and subsequently it dies.

In most cases, fatty degeneration occurs in the liver and blood vessels, but can also occur in other parts of the body. When fat replaces the cartilage of the intervertebral discs, they lose their ability to provide flexibility and springiness to the spine.

Even human bones can be replaced by fat. As a result, the vertebrae become less strong, which adversely affects the health of the spine as a whole. The vertebrae acquire excessive mobility, that is, they become unstable. These pathological abnormalities are clearly visible to doctors when performing magnetic resonance imaging.

Based on the nature of pathological changes, the forms of degeneration can be different. If the spine is affected by this pathology, then there is a high probability of developing osteochondrosis.

Classification of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine

The course of pathology is divided by specialists into several stages, each of which is characterized in its own way. Thus, the following stages of dystrophy in the vertebrae are distinguished:

1. First stage. On it, changes in the intervertebral disc are not yet observed, but during the examination it is already possible to see that there are small gaps inside the layers of the fibrous ring.
2. Second stage. At this stage, the layers of the annulus on the outside are still preserved and can prevent the disc from protruding. But the patient already feels pain in the back area, which can radiate to the leg and knee.
3. Third stage. Extensive ruptures of the fibrous ring occur on it, resulting in protrusion of the intervertebral disc. Pain in the lumbar region becomes even stronger.

Reasons for the development of the disease

The main cause of fatty degeneration is poor nutrition of the vertebral cells. They are the ones who are most sensitive to the fact that a small amount of oxygen and glucose is supplied and changes in the acid-base balance in the blood occur. All this provokes the development of disorders in the disk.

Deterioration in the functioning of the circulatory system can occur for various reasons, for example, due to anemia, spinal overload and poor nutrition. Deviations can also develop due to age.

Changes can even occur as a result of poisoning with a substance, such as alcohol. Certain infectious pathologies can also cause fatty degeneration.

Treatment methods for fatty degeneration of the bone marrow of the vertebral bodies

Fatty degeneration of the vertebrae is treated using both conservative and surgical methods. If the pathology appears due to the aging of the body, then the process cannot be cured, since it is irreversible.

If unpleasant symptoms, inflammation and compression of nerves occur, specialists prescribe the following medications:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aimed at relieving inflammation and relieving pain;
• muscle relaxants to eliminate spasms of muscle tissue;
• blockades with novocaine in the form of injections;
• chondroprotectors that help restore damaged cartilage.

In addition to medications, patients are prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures, for example, magnetic therapy and electrophoresis. Physical therapy also helps a lot, but it can only be used during remission. Good methods of treatment are massage and acupuncture.

Surgery is performed only if there is a narrowing of the spinal canal. In this case, without the help of a doctor, the patient risks losing sensitivity and acquiring paralysis.

In this case, it is possible to restore bone tissue only in the first stages of the disease, but basically therapy only allows to stop the development of the pathological process.

Arachnodactyly or Marfan's syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disease that affects the connective tissue. It is characterized by long arms and legs, very thin and thin fingers, and a thin physique.

Such people have cardiovascular defects, often manifesting themselves in the form of pathologies of the heart valves and aorta. The disease got its name from the name of the French pediatrician Marfan, who was the first to describe a 5-year-old patient with long thin legs and fingers.

This genetic disease occurs as a result of dysfunction of connective tissue and is associated with significant polymorphism of symptoms. This may be an aortic aneurysm, myopia, gigantism, chest deformation, ectopia lens, kyphoscoliosis, dural ectasia and other abnormalities.

Arachnodactyly does not depend on the sex of the patient. Among children, the percentage is 6.8%, with the majority of them being boys. The prevalence of the disease is 1:10,000 people.

Causes of mutation

Marfan syndrome is an anomaly from birth that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The reason for this is a mutation in the FBN1 gene, which is responsible for the synthesis of the structural protein of the intercellular matrix - fibrillin. It is this that affects the elasticity and contractile properties of connective tissue. Lack of fibrillin and its pathology contribute to disruption of the formation of the fibrous structure, loss of connective tissue strength and the inability to tolerate physical activity.

In 3/4 of all cases, the cause of Marfan syndrome is hereditary, and in the rest it is a primary mutation. If a father over 35 years of age has a history of cases of this anomaly, the likelihood that the child will also suffer from the disease is very high.

The main symptoms that accompany Marfan syndrome

There are two forms of manifestation of arachnodactyly syndrome, which depend on the degree and number of affected systems and organs:

1. erased, weakly expressed in 1-2 systems;
2. expressed with weakly expressed changes in 3 systems, in one system or in 2-3 systems or more.

The severity is divided into mild, moderate and severe. According to the characteristic features of the course of the disease, stable and progressive Marfan syndrome are distinguished.

Signs of the disease are divided depending on the location of the manifestation of connective tissue dysplasia. The main symptoms of the disease include:

Changes in the musculoskeletal system

Most of the symptoms of the disease are associated with disorders of the skeletal system. The patient's height is usually above average. Asthenic body type, narrow skull with bird features, too narrow and deformed chest, flat feet, bones arachnodactyly, spinal deformity, hypermobility of tendons and joints are characteristic.

In addition to disproportions of the limbs and high growth, there are other failures in the functioning of the skeletal system. Most often it is scoliosis, deformed funnel chest, very flexible joints, malocclusion and high palate, deformity of the toes. Muscle, joint and bone pain may be present. Speech disorders can also sometimes occur, osteoarthritis at an early age is possible.

Visual impairment

The disease can also affect vision. Very often, patients are diagnosed with myopia and astigmatism, less often - hyperopia. The following disorders are also possible: myopia, blue sclera, aniridia, ectopia and subluxation of the lens, high degree hypermetropia, coloboma, aphakia.

In 80% of cases, there is a violation of the position of the lens, and in one or both eyes. Vision problems can occur after a weakening of the connective tissue caused by a retinal detachment. Another ophthalmic problem associated with arachnodactyly is glaucoma, which occurs at a fairly early age.

Disturbance of the central nervous system

One of the serious consequences of Marfan's syndrome is dural ectasia, which is characterized by stretching and weakening of the hard lining of the brain (membrane). Pain in the back, lower back, legs, pelvis and abdomen, headache may not appear or immediately disappear as soon as a person lies on a flat and even surface on his back. In this regard, X-rays of the lower back and magnetic resonance imaging are prescribed.

Neurological problems in arachnodactyly include degenerative disease of the intervertebral bones and discs of the back and the development of pathology of the autonomic nervous system.

Disorders in the cardiovascular system

The following systems and organs malfunction:

• heart and great vessels;
• violation of intraventricular conduction;
• moderate hypertrophy of the left ventricular myocardium;
• aortic aneurysm;
• aortic insufficiency;
• mitral valve prolapse;
• hypoplastic expansion of the pulmonary artery and aortic root, “hanging” heart;
• bicuspid or dilated aortic root;
• failure of intracardiac dynamics;
• mitral insufficiency (myxomatous degeneration of the leaflets, an increase in their area and expansion of the fibrous ring, increased prolapse and looseness of the leaflets).

General clinical picture

In general terms, the signs of the disease look like this: patients have muscle weakness and decreased activity during physical activity. The patient has low body weight, muscle hypotonia, hypoplasia of muscles and adipose tissue, small lung size, long intestines, and aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva.

The patient may also have a pituitary gland disorder: tall stature, diabetes insipidus, acromegaloid disorders, long limbs and feet, autonomic system disorder, acromegaloid disorders.

Methods used by modern medicine for diagnosing a disease

Diagnosis of Marfan syndrome is made on the basis of hereditary factors, severe symptoms, examination of the patient, X-ray results, ophthalmological and genetic examinations, as well as echocardiography, ECG and laboratory tests.

During diagnosis, phenotypic tests are performed to determine the hand-to-height ratio, middle finger length, Varga index, thumb test for arachnodactyly, and wrist girth.

Using ECG and ECHO, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial hypertrophy, mitral valve prolapse, chord rupture and left ventricular enlargement are determined.

Using radiography, you can see the expanded arches of the root and aorta, and the large size of the heart. X-ray of the hip joints will show protrusion of the acetabulum.

MRI of the spine allows you to determine ectasia of the dura mater, dilatation and aortic aneurysms will show CT and MRI of the heart and blood vessels.

Using biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy, ectopia of the lens can be detected. Gene identification will indicate mutations in the FBN1 gene.

Treatment of arachnodactyly in all its manifestations

To date, there is no cure for Marfan syndrome as such. But in recent years, the life expectancy of patients with Marfan syndrome has become significantly longer. Methods of treatment are determined as the disease develops, and ways to prevent its occurrence are especially important. Therefore, the main course of treatment is aimed at preventive measures against the development of the disease and subsequent complications of the heart and blood vessels. This also applies to young children - all actions should be aimed at slowing down the development of aortic aneurysms.

The course of treatment of the disease includes conservative and surgical methods for correcting cardiovascular disorders, damage to the organs of vision and skeleton. If the aorta is no more than 4 cm in diameter, the patient is prescribed calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors or β-blockers.

Surgical intervention must be performed if the aorta diameter is is more than 5 cm, there is mitral valve prolapse, heart valve insufficiency and aortic dissection. In some cases, mitral valve replacement is performed.

In case of vision problems, patients are prescribed its correction by selecting glasses and contact lenses. In especially severe cases, vision correction is performed by laser or surgical intervention.

In childhood, in case of skeletal disorders, surgical stabilization of the spine, hip replacement and thoracoplasty are performed.

The course of treatment also includes taking vitamins, metabolic and pathogenetic therapy with normalization of collagen. An important component is the work of a physiotherapist, who in the treatment of Marfan syndrome includes electric shock (TENS therapy), as well as ultrasound and other methods to improve the functioning of the skeleton, affecting the height and length of the arms, and life expectancy.

Video: The dangers of excessive joint flexibility

Damage to the meniscus of the knee joint: symptoms (signs and photos), treatment, causes

To learn more…

Damage to the meniscus in the knee joint is a very common disease. Athletes and people doing physical work are susceptible to this disease.

A meniscus injury is a tear in the cartilage tissue. Knee injuries are divided into several types. One of the groups is degenerative changes. The likelihood of a lateral meniscus injury increases if chronic damage to the meniscus, for example, senile arthrosis or hereditary diseases, has not been cured.

Arthrosis can last for more than one year. Sometimes the pathology enters a chronic phase, so its symptoms appear in old age.

Unfortunately, even a careless step can cause injury to the anterior meniscus. Treatment for such damage takes quite a long time. For these reasons, senile arthrosis is very dangerous for healthy joints and ligaments of the knee.

Therefore, you need to be regularly examined by a doctor and, if necessary, do all the necessary procedures. After all, arthrosis destroys the joint, causing the knee function to be impaired and the leg to become less mobile.

In cases where the treatment of arthrosis was untimely or incorrect, people become disabled. The knee joint is a complex structure, so treating damage to the medial meniscus is quite difficult.

The knee is the largest joint that, despite the susceptibility to numerous injuries, can recover.

As a rule, treatment of knee injuries is conservative and comprehensive. Surgical intervention is necessary if traditional medicine, physiotherapy and other therapies have proven to be ineffective.

The structure, functioning of the knee joint and the location of the anterior meniscus

The knee joint is located between the tibia and femur. There is a cup located in the front of the knee. This joint is made up of menisci, cartilage and cruciate ligaments.

The knee contains anterior and posterior ligaments that perform the following functions:

• opposition to the displacement of the ankle forward or backward beyond the established limits;
• stabilization of the entire joint;
• holding the bony protrusion.

The surface of the knee is covered with cartilage, and between the bones are the menisci, which are also called falciform cartilages.

There are two types of menisci: external (lateral) and internal (medial). The menisci are layers of cartilage located in the middle of the knee. Their main tasks are shock absorption and stabilization of the joint.

Damage to the inner meniscus of the knee significantly complicates the motor function. Until recently, it was believed that the lateral, as well as the medial meniscus, does not have a specific purpose. It was believed that the meniscus was just a remnant of muscle.

But the results of various studies have shown that these processes have even more than one function. It turned out that the menisci are involved in the correct distribution of the load on the joint, which protect it from the development of arthritis and arthrosis. Also, crescent cartilage reduces the force of the push falling on the knee joint, stabilizing it.

Moreover, the presence of a right and left knee meniscus reduces contact stress. They limit the range of motion, which helps prevent the occurrence of dislocation.

In addition, the purpose of the meniscus is to send a signal to the brain indicating the condition of the joint.

How often does a meniscus injury occur?

A torn meniscus usually occurs in professional athletes. But everyday physical activity can also cause damage.

Men are at risk. After all, they are the ones who perform all the physical work, so their body undergoes changes of this kind. Also, the likelihood of pathologies in the knee joint increases in older people and men aged 18 to 30 years.

In people who have crossed the forty-year mark, damage to the internal meniscus occurs due to factors such as developing joint pathology, which has become chronic. Thus, every degenerative change that occurs in the knee joint is accompanied by consequences.

After all, even a sudden movement or push can provoke a tear of the lateral meniscus.

So which falciform cartilages are damaged more often: external or internal? Statistics show that most patients are diagnosed with damage to the lateral meniscus.

This is explained by the fact that the internal meniscus is anatomically more susceptible to injury. But there are cases when degenerative changes spread throughout the entire joint, in which, in addition to the diseased meniscus, the ligamentous apparatus is damaged.

Symptoms of ruptured falciform cartilages are severe. As a rule, they are manifested by frequent pain, the frequency and severity of which is related to the severity of the damage.

Symptoms of anterior and posterior meniscus damage

Injuries to cartilage tissue often occur if a person twists on his leg. Often the rupture occurs while running when the limb hits a protruding surface. In this case, a fall occurs, as a result of which the knee is injured, and pain occurs in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe bruise.

Signs of meniscal damage depend on where the tear occurs. Thus, in the case of more extensive damage to the meniscus, a hematoma occurs. If the injury to the lateral meniscus is minor, then movement becomes difficult, and a characteristic crunching sound is heard while walking.

The symptoms of a lateral meniscus tear in the knee are different from the obvious features of a medial meniscus injury. If the tear is external, then the person experiences severe pain due to tension in the collateral ligament. Moreover, it radiates to the anterior section of the articulation and has a shooting character.

When turning the shin, sharp pain occurs. And in the outer part of the thigh there is a feeling of weakness. It is these symptoms that worry a person if there is a tear of the external meniscus.

Note! Symptoms of the disease appear already at the initial stage of its development, so timely treatment can be started.

Internal meniscus injuries have the following symptoms:

1. feeling of discomfort inside the joint;
2. lumbago that occurs when the joint is tense;
3. increased sensitivity of the affected area (the area where cartilage tissue and ligaments join);
4. pain when bending the knee;
5. swelling (shown in the photo);
6. weakness appearing in the front of the thigh.

Factors of appearance are also of no small importance. Therefore, treatment is prescribed after identifying the causes.

If a person is elderly and has all of the above symptoms, then most likely this indicates the presence of a chronic degenerative rupture. As a rule, young people do not suffer from such pathologies.

Diagnosis and treatment

To get a diagnosis, a person complaining of knee pain should see a doctor. First, he will find out what is bothering the patient, and then he will examine the sore leg. The doctor will then check for fluid accumulation in the kneecap or muscle atrophy. If these pathologies are detected, then the patient will be referred for examination to a traumatologist.

After an oral interview and examination of the limb, an experienced doctor will immediately establish the correct diagnosis. But to make sure it is correct, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations.

The patient will undergo magnetic resonance imaging, x-ray examination and ultrasound examination. By the way, an X-ray of the knee must be taken, since it is the main way in which even damage to the posterior horn of the medial meniscus can be detected.

Today, treatment of anterior and posterior meniscus injuries is carried out using various methods. A common method is surgery. The surgical method is used when it is difficult for the patient to flex and straighten the joint, and most importantly, it is relevant if conservative treatment has proven to be ineffective.

The surgical procedure performed to remove a lateral meniscus that has been damaged is called arthroscopy. Basically, such an operation is considered uncomplicated, and the rehabilitation process lasts about 14 days.

Traditional medicine can also eliminate the painful symptoms of meniscus injuries. But doctors say that such treatment can only eliminate the symptoms, but it is impossible to completely get rid of the pathology using home therapy methods.

Therefore, treatment using traditional medicine is recommended as additional measures. Often this therapy is used during the recovery period.

During rehabilitation, you can make compresses with honey. In addition, lotions based on onions and burdock leaves are no less effective. But before doing such compresses, you should definitely consult a doctor who will approve or refute these methods of treatment.

• Relieves pain and swelling in joints due to arthritis and arthrosis
• Restores joints and tissues, effective for osteochondrosis

To learn more…

Osteoporosis is a severe metabolic disease of the human musculoskeletal system. In many countries, this disease is detected in its early stages due to early diagnosis. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case, and osteoporosis can progress slowly and unnoticed, causing irreparable damage to the body.

Description of the disease

To begin with, it is worth considering the topographic classification of the disease. There are two main forms of osteoporosis: local (local) and general (generalized). The local form is divided into two more subgroups - spotted and uniform osteoporosis.

The main difference between these subgroups is the distribution of the pathological process zone on a specific bone. If the zone of bone depletion has a focal, chaotically located character and on the radiograph it looks like circles and ovals of different sizes, then this is a focal subgroup.

If the pathological process is evenly distributed over the bone area and looks on the radiograph as a general clearing of the bone compared to the other, this is a uniform option.

So, focal osteoporosis can be diagnosed only by visual inspection of the radiograph. Another name for this disease is found in the literature – spotted osteoporosis.

For a more accurate assessment of the radiograph, the focus of the image is made not on one limb, but on two at once. This allows you to clearly differentiate the pathological area and healthy bone tissue.

Causes

The local form of osteoporosis most often occurs against the background of local tissue damage. These include fractures, displacements, cuts, bruises, inflammation, hypothermia, burns, intoxication, radiation, and toxins. Drug use and alcoholism can also lead to pathology.

Iatrogenic etiology of osteoporosis occurs in case of failure to perform injection techniques, manipulations and surgical interventions. Also, the causes may be generalized processes - diabetic neuropathy and angiopathy, autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic scleroderma).

This disease is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. During periods of exacerbation, pain in bones and joints increases, and the patient needs non-narcotic painkillers. Pathological processes during exacerbation “plow” to the maximum, all the time reducing the percentage of functional bone matter.

During remission, the process stops, the pain subsides, as a result of which the patient begins to feel much better.

Severe complications

Patchy osteoporosis of the femur can lead to a very dangerous femoral neck fracture. In this case, the patient will not be able to walk for a long time, and bed rest may well lead to congestive pneumonia.

Embolism is also a serious consequence of osteoporosis. Indeed, during minor fractures and cracks, yellow bone marrow from the bone enters the bloodstream. Through the vessels, these fat emboli enter the pulmonary arteries, clogging them. This process is called pulmonary embolism (PE). This leads to pneumonia, pulmonary edema, ischemia and pulmonary infarction.

Displacement of the ridge can lead not only to changes in posture, but also to pinching of the spinal roots. This variant of pathogenesis is characterized by pain along the innervation of the nerve and impaired sensitivity in its zone.

Bone marrow plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of immunity.

Problems that arise in the bone marrow inevitably affect hematopoiesis, blood composition, the state of blood circulation, blood vessels, and soon the entire body. When bone marrow functions are impaired, the number of leukocytes, platelets, and red blood cells in the blood decreases. The composition of the blood changes, and therefore the nutrition of the organs, that is, their functions also suffer. Due to changes in the composition of the blood, the nature of its movement through the vessels also changes, which also causes many unpleasant consequences.

Bone marrow degeneration

Degenerative processes begin sooner or later in any organism. Similar processes also occur in the bone marrow. To a certain extent, they are normal physiological processes, of course, if they begin in due time. During degenerative-dystrophic processes, normal (myeloid) bone marrow tissue is gradually replaced by connective and adipose tissue. Moreover, it is fat replacement that predominates.

With age, such processes increase and accelerate. Thus, by the age of 65, approximately half of a person’s bone marrow is replaced by adipose tissue. At an older age, fat cells can occupy half of its volume. Fatty bone marrow degeneration is the focus of medical science today. An earlier and more intense process of such replacement of one tissue by another causes the development of various diseases.

Where do fat cells come from?

When scientists studied the precursor cells of fat, the first “suspects” were bone marrow myeloid cells. These cells give rise to blood cells (except lymphocytes), cells from which muscles are formed, liver cells, and can also be the progenitors of fat. Thus, perhaps due to the low “specialization” of myeloid cells in the bone marrow, they are significantly replaced by fat cells.

Pathological replacement of myeloid tissue with adipose tissue can occur due to metabolic disorders in the body, bone marrow lesions by metastases, and infectious processes, especially chronic ones.

What diseases are accompanied by fatty degeneration of the bone marrow?

• Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome,
• Hypoplastic and aplastic anemia,
• Osteoporosis.

This is a list of diseases in which a link has been established between bone marrow degeneration and symptoms or causes of the disease.

Simmonds-Sheehan syndrome

Another name for this disease is hypothalamic-pituitary cachexia. It most often affects older women. Initially, the pathological process occurs in the adenohypophysis and hypothalamus. Further, the secretion of hormones, including growth hormone, is disrupted. This causes degenerative-dystrophic and atrophic processes in tissues and organs and a wide variety of symptoms.

Hypoplastic and aplastic anemia

This group of anemias develops as a result of inhibition of hematopoiesis, which, in turn, is caused by the replacement of myeloid tissue in the bone marrow with fatty tissue. The reasons for this may be toxic or infectious and viral effects.

Among the substances that negatively affect the condition of the bone marrow are arsenic, benzene, and some medications. This is one of the arguments that you should not self-medicate; any medicine should be prescribed by a doctor. He does this taking into account the possible consequences.

Medicines that may cause or accelerate bone marrow degeneration:

• Cytostatic agents,
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, acetylsalicylic acid, analgin,
• Sleeping pills (barbiturates),
• Medicines to lower blood pressure, such as captopril,
• Thyrostatics,
• Anti-tuberculosis drugs,
• Sulfonamides,
• Some antibiotics, in particular chloramphenicol,
• Antiarrhythmic drugs.

The main manifestation of hypoplastic and aplastic anemia is thrombocytopenia, manifested by hemorrhagic syndrome. Bleeding, bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes, hemorrhagic rashes - these are the most common symptoms of this type of anemia.

Osteoporosis

Until recently, it was believed that a large amount of adipose tissue protects the body from osteoporosis, since it helps compensate for missing hormones. However, recent research has revealed that this is not entirely true. Excess fat cells interfere with the body's production of collagen and calcium absorption. This leads to weakening of bone tissue, to degenerative processes in it, that is, to bone fragility - the main manifestation of osteoporosis.

7th Winter Youth School-Conference

brain. The most common causes of this condition are aplastic

anemia, consequences of radiation or chemotherapy. This condition manifests itself

the appearance of areas of high-intensity MR signal on T1- and T2-weighted images,

corresponding to adipose bone marrow in those parts of the skeleton where normally

contains red bone marrow.

Bone marrow reconversion – reverse replacement of fatty bone marrow

hematopoietic in pathological conditions accompanied by increased

the body's needs for hematopoiesis. Observed in chronic anemia,

bleeding disorders, prolonged hemorrhagic conditions.

The duration of anemization directly affects the prevalence and reversibility

bone marrow reconversion. Regardless of the age of the patients, reconversion to MRI

MR signal intensity on T1-WI against the background of normal high-intensity

fatty bone marrow.

Bone marrow infiltration is observed in tumor, degenerative

dystrophic, inflammatory and systemic processes. MRI picture of infiltration

depends on the type of pathological tissue infiltrating the bone marrow, the presence

concomitant edema, necrosis or fibrosis of the bone marrow, reactive processes

calcification and ossification. In most cases, this condition

characterized by lower intensity on T1-WI, and higher intensity on T2-WI

in relation to the image of fatty bone marrow.

Inflammatory infiltration of the bone marrow is characterized by replacement

bone marrow with purulent exudate, granulation tissue, accompanied by

destruction of bone tissue, the formation of sequesters. Around the inflammation may be

zone of edema, osteosclerosis and bone marrow fibrosis.

Tumor infiltration of the bone marrow in the MR - image depends on

the degree of aggressiveness of the neoplasm, the nature and rate of its growth in

Expansive neoplasms (benign and slow growing)

malignant) on MRI are manifested by the presence of a volumetric formation

homogeneous or cellular-trabecular structure, delimited by a zone

endosteal ossification in the form of a hypointense rim on T1 and T2-WI;

Infiltrative neoplasms (malignant) are characterized by

rapid spread in the medullary canal in the longitudinal and

transverse direction with elements of necrosis in the center;

On MRI, tumors appear small-focal or diffuse

infiltration of the bone marrow, often with unclear contours, surrounded by

periphery with an area of ​​edema that is hypointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2-

The tumor focus can be of a homogeneous or heterogeneous structure in

depending on the presence of necrosis, hemorrhages and gives an MR signal on T1-VI

often hypointense, hyperintense on T2-WI.

Systemic bone marrow infiltration is characterized by multiple

polyostotic lesion. It is observed in secondary metastatic

tumors, neoplasms of the lymphoid and hematopoietic system, histiocytosis,

lipid metabolism disorders. Distribution of areas of infiltration in the bones of the skeleton,

usually corresponds to the normal distribution of red bone marrow –

bone marrow neoplastic processes primarily develop from cells

hematopoietic bone marrow. Image characteristic of a tumor

infiltration, may not differ from normal distribution or reconversion

hematopoietic bone marrow.

characterized by bone marrow replacement with defective osteoid or

fibrous connective tissue, accompanied by hemorrhages and areas

liquefaction necrosis. Bone marrow fibrosis may have multiple

diffuse or focal character in chronic inflammatory and neoplastic

processes, Paget's disease, fibrous ankylosis. Subchondral fibrosis

determined in arthritis and osteoarthritis. It appears hypointense

areas against the background of high-intensity fatty bone marrow on T1-weighted images.

Cyst-shaped cavities of degeneration have a homogeneous or cellular-trabecular

structure with fluid or hemorrhagic contents and give a hypointense

signal on T1-VI, reverse on T2-VI.

1. MRI demonstrates high informativeness in identifying pathological

changes in the bone marrow in various types of pathological conditions.

2. The MRI picture of changes in the bone marrow is not very specific, so the goal

MRI is the earliest detection of bone changes

brain or assessment of their prevalence in an established disease.

1. Bryukhanov A.V., Vasilyev A.Yu. Magnetic resonance imaging in

osteology. – M.: Medicine, 2006.- 200 p.

2. Trofimova T.N., Karpenko A.K. MRI diagnostics of knee joint injury. –

St. Petersburg: SPbMAPO Publishing House, 2006 - 150p.

The Youth Conference on Organic Chemistry continues a series of school-conferences held annually since 1998 (Ekaterinburg.

State educational institution of higher professional education

Northern Socio-Ecological Congress “Horizons of Economic and Cultural Development”

"Information technologies in the educational process of a research university"

Moscow on the basis of the Mother Russian State Technological University named after K. E. Tsiolkovsky.

E. R. Shrager – scientific editors of “Mechanics, Mathematics”; Doctor of Technical Sciences, Prof. A. M. Gortsev -

Cherished crusts - highlights of Komi Vladimir Sharkov, instead of wishes, your condolences

What is vertebral fatty degeneration?

Fatty degeneration of the vertebrae is an age-related process of replacement of hematopoietic bone marrow tissue with fatty tissue. In some cases, it begins earlier due to cancer or infectious diseases, uncontrolled drug therapy. This natural process can have complications. These include osteoporosis, anemia, hormonal imbalance and spinal canal stenosis. In most cases, no specific therapy is required, but if complications threaten the patient's quality of life, surgery may be prescribed.

Causes

The main risk factor is age. Tissue degeneration begins to occur, including the bone marrow of the spine. This is natural, and if the patient is over seventy, often his bone marrow is half fat.

The process is initiated by myeloid cells. They are found in the bone marrow and create all blood cells. They also form muscles and internal organs, such as the liver.

In some cases, degeneration occurs much earlier. The cause may be metabolic disorders, malignant neoplasms and metastasis, infections. Unfortunately, such changes can occur regardless of age.

An accelerated process of “obesity” of the vertebrae can occur due to the use of certain medications. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This is especially bad considering that many people suffering from osteochondrosis mainly use NSAIDs - this results in a vicious circle of degeneration of back tissue. You can also list blood pressure-lowering medications, cardiac medications, and antibiotics here.

How it develops

When blood circulation and metabolism of the spine are disrupted, osteochondrosis does not remain the only problem. An additional pathology may be fatty degeneration of the bone marrow and ligaments that fix the back. The result of this pathological process may be stenosis of the spinal canal, and subsequently compression of the spinal cord. And if there is some kind of mechanical impact on the spinal cord, a whole bunch of severe neurological symptoms are inevitable. Including partial and complete paralysis.

Due to the fact that the vertebral bodies do not have independent internal nerves and blood vessels, but are fed through endplates, fatty degeneration begins quickly in them. In addition to the vertebrae, the arteries also change. The path of nutrients to the vertebrae and discs is complicated. This is another reason why the nucleus pulposus loses its shock-absorbing properties.

Osteochondrosis and fatty degeneration lead to a decrease in the space between the vertebrae. To reduce spasms of the spinal ligaments, the body tries to get rid of calcium. This leads to a disease such as osteoporosis.

Prognosis and complications

Fatty bone marrow degeneration results in poor blood cell production. Anemia and decreased immunity are observed. Vascular tone decreases. The condition of not only the spine, but also the entire human body deteriorates. The tissues of the internal organs begin to “suffocate” without receiving enough oxygen.

Fatty degeneration of the vertebrae can lead to the development of diseases such as:

• Simmond-Schien disease. Middle-aged females are usually affected. Hormonal changes begin, due to which a large number of body tissues suffer;
• Anemia. The degeneration of the cells that create blood cells does not go away without a trace;
• Osteoporosis. Too much fat in bone prevents the body from producing collagen. Because of this, a person stops processing calcium correctly, and the vertebrae become fragile.

Blood clots worse, and as a result, traumatic effects can be fatal. Particularly severe consequences can occur if such a symptom accompanies osteoporosis - bone degeneration. Bones break easily, and if a fracture occurs, internal bleeding may begin non-stop.

Treatment

Both conservative treatment measures and surgery are used. But unfortunately, they are largely only symptomatic. Degeneration of vertebral tissue due to aging is an irreversible process. But if complications, inflammatory processes, or pinched nerves occur, the following recommendations are suitable:

• In the acute period, when attacks are constantly tormenting, you need to give the patient complete rest. Eliminate both mental and physical stress factors;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac);
• Muscle relaxants to relieve painful muscle spasms (for example, Sirdalud);
• Injection spinal blockades with novocaine;
• Chondroprotectors are drugs that help regenerate cartilage tissue;
• Physiotherapy (Magnet, Electrophoresis, Low-frequency current, Shock wave therapy);
• Physical therapy (after the acute period has ended);
• Massage procedures, acupuncture.

• See also: Instability of the vertebrae.

Surgical intervention is justified only if there is narrowing of the spinal canal. Here the work of a surgeon is necessary, because otherwise the patient will experience loss of sensitivity and mobility, and possibly paralysis.

What is uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine?

Epiduritis of the spine what is it

Tuberculosis of the spine: how to defeat the disease?

MRI of the spinal cord, MRI myelography, which reveals when it is contraindicated

What is MR myelography

MR myelography is a study of the spinal canal, the spinal cord with its membranes. Its difference from traditional X-ray myelography is that MR myelography is a non-invasive, highly informative procedure, and, therefore, completely safe and harmless for the patient.

Indications for scanning are:

• pain in the back, in the lower extremities, of varying severity, unilateral or bilateral
• sensory disturbances (paresthesia, numbness) or motor disturbances in the legs (up to paresis/paralysis)
• previous spinal injury
• search for metastases or primary cancerous node
• upcoming or previous surgery
• presence of signs of neurological impairment of other organs (for example, breathing problems, vision problems, heat intolerance)

What does a spinal cord MRI show?

1. Degenerative diseases of the spine, namely compression of the brain by a ruptured hernia. Depending on the degree of compression, patients will experience pain (such as electric shocks, lumbago), numbness, and impaired motor functions.
2. Spinal cord injury. Injuries are divided into concussion, bruise and traumatic compression. Shake may not manifest itself at all, or may manifest itself as short-term motor and sensory disturbances. At bruise, And traumatic compression spinal shock develops with peripheral (hypotonic) paralysis and pelvic dysfunction. The shock goes away on average after 3-8 weeks.
3. Spinal cord tumors, primary/secondary. For every 6 brain tumors there is 1 spinal tumor. It should be noted that primary vertebral tumors affecting the spinal cord are not brain tumors. They are divided into intra- and extramedullary (from the tissues surrounding the brain - membranes, roots, vessels, fiber). For extramedullary tumors(meningiomas, neuromas) characterized by half conduction disturbance, radicular pain; when sneezing or coughing, the pain is reflected at the site of the tumor, the same happens when tapping on the spinous processes. intramedullary tumors(ependymomas, astrocytomas, hemangiomas, granulomas) there is no pain, but there are motor and sensory disorders. Metastatic(secondary) lesion is characterized by rapidly progressive flaccid (hypotonic) paraparesis (of both limbs), which then turns into spastic paralysis. In these pathologies, bone marrow fibrosis is often detected on MRI, as well as bone marrow edema, although these changes may be signs of other diseases.
4. Demyelinating diseases of the brain (both spinal and brain). These include multiple sclerosis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune, constantly progressive disease that affects the myelin sheath of the nerves, which is responsible for the rapid passage of nerve impulses. This pathology can have many clinical pictures, but they all have similarities. Both debut and exacerbation in patients are caused by: previous viral infections; hyperinsolation, taking hot baths, saunas, etc.; pregnancy. This can manifest itself as spasticity in the lower extremities (most often), pelvic disorders (empirical urges, incontinence), headaches, and later they are joined by disturbances in swallowing, vision, hearing, and breathing. Currently, MRI is the only way to visualize foci of demyelination, in its This time marked a breakthrough in the diagnosis of MS. After the first onset, the patient is required to undergo an MRI; it is based on the scan results that a final diagnosis is made if the criteria for the detected number of lesions are met. Each focus of demyelination of the spinal cord on MRI is equivalent to that in the brain, which is taken into account when making a diagnosis. MRI of the spinal cord in multiple sclerosis is carried out simultaneously with a study of the brain, and gadolinium-containing contrast is used to search for fresh lesions. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis has a benign course, it appears after a viral neurotropic infection (measles, influenza, rubella, herpes and others, including after vaccinations). It is characterized by an acute onset with fever, signs of encephalitis, paresis, and paralysis. With adequate treatment, symptoms disappear within a month. A distinctive feature of MRI of the spinal cord with contrast is the “symptom of rings, half rings.”
5. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or motor neuron disease, or Charcot's disease, is characterized by damage to the motor pathways, as a result of which a person slowly develops paralysis of all muscles. The probable cause is a gene mutation. Debuts at age. MRI of the spinal cord in ALS reveals pathology of the anterior horns of the spinal cord, especially diffusion tractography helps in diagnosis.
6. Bone marrow ischemia or infarction develops when the artery supplying the spine is blocked, spasmed or compressed. In this case, an MRI of the spinal cord vessels is performed to identify the location of the source of the impaired blood supply.
7. Chronic anemia, or rather, one of its signs is bone marrow reconversion (replacement of adipose tissue with blood-forming cells as an attempt by the body to increase the production of red blood cells).

Benefits of MRI

MRI of the brain and spinal cord is always preferable to other diagnostic methods. It allows not only to perform myelography with three-dimensional reconstruction, but it can also be used to perform MR myelography in diffusion tractography mode, which makes it possible to study pathways that are affected in many pathologies (for example, ALS, multiple sclerosis). For demyelinating diseases, MRI is the only option for visualizing lesions; Before the advent of MRI, this diagnosis was made only when significant clinical manifestations appeared.

Such excellent information content is due to the fact that the spinal cord is a soft tissue structure, and MRI, as is known, reveals its full diagnostic potential precisely when scanning soft tissues.

Whether surgical intervention is required or whether surgery can be done without surgery, myelography of the spine will help determine the indications.

A significant advantage to the above is the fact that during magnetic resonance scanning there is no exposure to ionizing X-ray radiation, which allows MRI of the spinal cord to be performed on children.

Where to do myelography of the spine

If you are faced with the question of the need for an MRI of the spinal cord, you must choose a center with a high-field closed-type tomograph (from 1.5 Tesla). Only a device of this class can provide the information content necessary when scanning a given area. The procedure takes about minutes, decoding takes another 30 minutes.

Remember that the presence of metal objects in the body (stents, vascular clips, pacemaker, metal structures, etc.) is an absolute contraindication to scanning.

or CT examination

All rights reserved © MRI and CT of the spine, 2018

And that many hackneyed and streamlined formulations in expert opinions (as well as all these universal terms “more likely; more likely”, as well as “trabecular edema”, in different descriptions and declinations), only indicate that the exact picture of MRI changes is more often I am not able to install everything. And the final result is left entirely to the experience and/or subjectivity of the doctor himself at the computer. You just need to understand that such favorite topics “nothing” exist in any diagnostic path. But if in classical X-ray they like to incline the pulmonary pattern in this way: strengthened - deformed - enriched (options: perivascular / peribronchial type - and it’s good if they see all this on real images!), then in MRI this is such a strong point and a favorite topic, of course. are trabecular edema. That is, changes in the very bone tissue that MRI, strictly speaking, sees worst of all, giving the absolute palm here to MSCT and standard X-ray. Therefore, it is clear that putting a good face on a bad game would be most appropriate and pleasant here.

“The earliest NON-SPECIFIC (highlighted in capital letters in the same place! – A.K.) syndrome of a large number of CSS diseases.

Edema is a characteristic manifestation of traumatic contusions, hidden subcortical and stress fractures, and an early (reversible) stage of avascular necrosis.

It is the only MRI-tomographic manifestation of such processes as idiopathic transient osteoporosis and transient bone marrow edema syndrome...” (From the manual “MRI-Expert: “MRI diagnostics in onco-osteology” (a manual for oncologists, traumatologists. Authors: Ph.D. Pasechnaya V.G., Ph.D. Korobov A.V., Karavaev A.A., Voronezh. 2011)

Option 2: A mild, heterogeneous increase in the intensity of the MR signal on T2 with fat suppression is determined. No signs of bone destructive changes were identified, the cortical layer was not changed. More likely, these changes reflect residual red bone marrow; for trabecular edema, the above changes are nonspecific ... "

There is no effusion in the joint cavity or in the subdeltoid bursa. A small amount of effusion is detected in the subcoracoidal bursa and in the area of ​​the biceps tendon...”

Conclusion: MR picture of partial rupture of the rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, subscapularis muscles), subcoracoidal bursitis; Tenosynovitis. Impeachment syndrome stage II-III.”

Stage 1 - suspicion of changes (blurred edges of the joints)

Stage 2 - minimal changes (small localized areas of erosion or sclerosis with no change in gap width)

Stage 3 - moderate to significant sacroiliitis with erosions, sclerosis, widening, narrowing or partial ankylosis

Stage 4 - significant changes with complete ankylosis of the joint

Stage I - changes suspicious for sacroiliitis, i.e. subchondral osteosclerosis, some unevenness and blurriness of the articular surfaces, which does not exclude the possibility of a normal age-related X-ray picture;

Stage II - obvious pathological changes (severe osteosclerosis not only on the iliac, but also on the sacral sides of the joint space, pseudo-widening of the joint space and/or limited areas with erosions)

IIa (unilateral changes) and lIb (bilateral changes).

Stage III reflects in more detail the possibility of regression of subchondral sclerosis and the presence of erosions;

Stage IV - partial ankylosis (formally corresponds to stage III according to Kellgren).

Stage V - complete ankylosis.”

“In the acute phase of ischemic stroke, pathological signs of brain damage are better and earlier (with the exception of CT perfusion!) detected by MRI

(Source: V.G. Kornienko, I.N. Pronin “Diagnostic neuroradiology” M., 2003)

CT – CT + CT angiography + CT perfusion

MRI – standard MRI on a high-field tomograph /DWI, Flair, T2/

Again about the dubious value of MRI-4

spinal health ©

All information on the site is for informational purposes only. Do not use this information for self-medication. Possible contraindications. Be sure to consult your doctor.

Bone marrow reconversion?

Zones of change in the intensity of the MR signal from the bone marrow of the femur and tibia (hypointense on T1 and T2 VI) - bone marrow reconversion? Are there other options?

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/2_4.jpg?itok=en_txbHW

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/3_4.jpg?itok=7VUuF-01

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/4_3.jpg?itok=N_Nb5kc7

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/5_3.jpg?itok=Zm3jaQzl

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/6_3.jpg?itok=YWUE7zP7

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/7_4.jpg?itok=E4K17VC8

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/8_4.jpg?itok=45T_nARH

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/9_4.jpg?itok=ICiCzKuZ

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/10_3.jpg?itok=lJTFbA2f

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/11_3.jpg?itok=u4dPo9qh

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/12_3.jpg?itok=ZCmR0gHf

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/13_3.jpg?itok=wOTZHrRg

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/14_1.jpg?itok=STS3Eii1

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/15_2.jpg?itok=1ENseaR0

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/16_2.jpg?itok=DCEOs956

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/17_2.jpg?itok=qvwastWb

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/18_0.jpg?itok=Pk-ldpSo

• https://radiomed.ru/sites/default/files/styles/case_slider_image/public/user/17109/19_1.jpg?itok=UgtUXvpF

I am for reconversion

It also seems to me that this is a reconversion.

Thanks a lot! And what is this longitudinal linearly curved zone of hypointense MR signal on T1 and T2 VI in the central parts of the femoral diaphysis, probably a vessel? Not a fracture?

Where is the swelling then if there is a fracture?

Education

Information

Additionally

All materials published on the site belong to the authors; in controversial situations, please write.

When reprinting materials, it is necessary to indicate the author's name and a link to the source.

What is bone marrow reconversion?

MRI imaging of normal spinal bone marrow (BM) is mainly dependent on the appropriate proportion of blood-forming cells and fat cells (adipocytes) within the vertebral body medulla. MRI usually reveals two types of bone marrow - active, functioning red bone marrow (RBM) and inactive, yellow bone marrow (YBM). The latter, due to the high content of adipose tissue, has an MR signal intensity similar to subcutaneous fat. A significant help in describing the state of the bone marrow during an MRI study is the well-known phenomenon of age-related, progressive transformation of CCM into GCM - the so-called CM conversion. Several options for these changes (conversions) have been identified:

Option II (peripheral): the vertebral body has areas of high signal intensity of a ribbon-like and triangular shape of the gastrointestinal tract, located in the peripheral parts of the vertebral bodies under both endplates; this variant may be caused by mechanical damage, which is usually less intense in the thoracic region due to the stabilizing effect of the rib cage, and may also be associated with degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs; the frequency of this conversion variant increases with age, reflecting a gradual increase in the replacement of CMC with yellow CM in the peripheral variant, reaching its maximum manifestations in individuals under 70 years of age;

Option III (diffuse-fine-focal or “variegated pattern” type): the vertebral body has small, diffusely located point areas of high signal intensity (from 1 to 3 mm) due to inclusions of gastrointestinal tract; this conversion option reflects the replacement of CMC by yellow CMC with its maximum prevalence in older people;

IV variant (diffuse-focal): the vertebral body has a few, usually round-oval, foci of high signal intensity, in places confluent in nature, with fuzzy, uneven contours with sizes ranging from 10 to 40 mm with a predominant orientation along the basivertebral vein; the frequency of this conversion option is increased in age categories with the greatest manifestations of this option in patients in the fifth and sixth decades and in its absence in young people (up to 30 years);

V variant (vascular): the vertebral body has in the center, which is represented by a flask-shaped dilated basivertebral vein, along which linear, thin (2 - 3 mm) sections of the gastrointestinal tract are located (this option is visualized mainly in patients of older age categories and is accompanied by osteoporosis [osteopenia); this conversion option is not detected on images of the lumbar spine in patients under 50 years of age, but is most clearly represented in patients after 60 years of age.

[read] article “Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of bone marrow conversion of the lumbar spine” Myagkov S.A., State Institution “Zaporozhye Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” (magazine “Pain. Joints. Spine” No. 3(11), 2013 )

Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the modern research methods, thanks to which it is possible to check internal tissues for the presence of various pathologies or diseases. This method makes it possible to obtain tomographic recorded images, which help to carry out high-quality diagnostics of the object. This examination is carried out on the basis of emitted electromagnetic waves, which are reflected by the tissues. Due to the fact that this type of examination has become quite common, it is increasingly being prescribed in order to prevent serious disorders or the development of pathologies.

MRI is a new diagnostic method that allows you to check internal organs and tissues and identify various pathologies

In this article you will learn:

When is a bone marrow MRI performed?

An MRI of the organ is performed if there are suspicions of the diseases indicated in the table.

Disease or pathology	Symptoms
Swelling around the vertebrae	severe pain in the spine
	numbness of the lower or upper extremities
	impairment of the work and functionality of the arms, legs, trunk or lower back, which is associated with damage to the vertebral regions
	disruption of the pelvic organs, as well as defecation of the body: there is retention of urinary fluid and feces
	Along with edema, vascular spasms are present
	there is swelling of the tissues that are located around the organ
	tissue connections harden at the site of inflammation
	Bedsores form on swollen tissues after lying down
Leukemia	lymph nodes enlarge
	weakness, fatigue
	blurred vision
	heat
	muscle and joint pain
	bleeding from the nose, gums
	increased liver size,
	swelling
Congenital disorders of the hematopoietic system	insufficient production of blood components:
	● red blood cells – causes anemia;
	● platelets – as a result, poor blood clotting;
	● leukocytes – susceptibility to various diseases caused by infections
Osteochondrosis	pain in the neck and shoulders
	feeling of weakness in muscle tissue
	numbness of the upper limbs
	movement disorders
	dizziness
	decreased visual acuity

MRI is also prescribed for various injuries to different parts of the spine.

In addition, MRI allows you to detect in the early stages or prevent the occurrence of various disorders associated with the hematopoietic organ, showing its slightest changes.

Fatty degeneration

Fatty degeneration is a process that occurs along with age-related changes. With it, the tissues that are responsible for the formation of blood are replaced by fatty tissue compounds. Other causes of this pathology may be tumor diseases, as well as the presence of infections. The course of such replacement may be accompanied by complications. Fatty bone marrow degeneration is detected on MRI by the presence of fat cells in the organ.

Organ reconversion

Bone marrow reconversion on MRI shows damage to the hematopoietic organ. The study shows pathologies of adipose tissue, which is replaced by cells responsible for the formation of blood. The cause of this disorder is chronic anemia.

MRI allows diagnosis of bone marrow reconversion

How to prepare the patient

Preparing the patient for this procedure is to ensure that he adheres to the following aspects:

1. Electrical devices and other equipment cannot be kept in the office where the research will be carried out, as they may fail.
2. Before the procedure itself, it is necessary to remove or remove metal objects from the body.
3. The clothing in which the patient must undergo the examination must be without metal accessories.

It is forbidden to take electrical appliances and equipment with you into the MRI room.

In addition, two days before such an examination it is necessary to adhere to a small diet that will help cleanse the intestines. To do this, it is recommended not to consume or abstain from foods that cause increased gas formation:

• bakery;
• flour products;
• sweets;
• cabbage;
• legume products;
• gas drinks;
• alcohol.

In addition, a patient with bone marrow edema should be reassured by MRI that the procedure is painless and noninvasive. Before the study, the doctor may recommend taking certain medications, which is taken into account individually for each patient.

Two days before the diagnosis, you need to exclude flour and baked goods from the menu.

How to perform the procedure

The order of the procedure is to perform the following steps:

1. The patient wears clothing specially designed for the procedure.
2. Performs all preparatory measures, removing metal objects.
3. Then he needs to lie down on a special couch. They are fixed with special belts to ensure complete immobility of the body.
4. The couch moves into the tomograph, which has the shape of a cylinder.
5. During the procedure, when the patient is inside the tomograph, it produces various noises. Using electromagnetic radiation, it records changes in the body.

If a person has an acute fear of closed spaces, the doctor may give a sedative to take so that the patient does not experience anxiety.

Such a study can last 40–90 minutes.

Is contrast used in MRI?

Whether to use contrast during MRI is decided by the doctor who conducts the diagnosis. It is possible that this substance may need to be introduced into the body. It is used to make images of soft tissues clearer. It highlights and visualizes the tissue structures of the patient's body.

There are different types of contrast agents that are used in MRI. But the most commonly used is the one that is administered intravenously. It is based on iron oxide, which makes the circulatory system clearer in photographs.

The contrast leaves the body naturally within 24 hours.

What changes are visible on MRI?

Bone marrow MRI shows:

• form of tissue swelling;
• ratio of bone joints in the vertebrae;
• the ratio of fat accumulation, as well as bone connective tissue;
• an increase in the amount of water, which causes inflammation;
• presence of infections;
• properties of soft tissue compounds;
• exact location of inflammation.

MRI results can reveal the presence of infections in bone marrow tissue

Thanks to this research method, it is possible to assess the condition of the spine itself, hematopoietic tissues, the size of the existing damage, as well as other pathologies. All these indicators help to make an accurate diagnosis, prescribe the most effective treatment or methods of disease prevention.

What could be the causes of cerebral edema?

The causes of bone marrow edema are the following:

• ligament-related injuries;
• spine fracture;
• torn tendons;
• inflammation of the osteofibrous canal;
• connective tissue damage.

With cancer, swelling occurs in the bone marrow

Edema may be present in the presence of the following diseases:

• cancerous formations;
• bone softening;
• osteoarthritis;
• reducing the rate of bleeding in blood vessels;
• aseptic necrosis.

Sometimes several diseases can contribute to the accumulation of fluid in tissues, which, as they progress, give a negative clinical picture.

What consequences can there be after an MRI?

Possible consequences of MRI for the body may include the following pathologies:

• neurogenic systemic nephrosis;
• skin thickening;
• violation of flexible movements of the arms and legs.

Often, negative consequences after such a procedure occur when contraindications are ignored. For example, if some metal objects are not removed, damage may occur on the patient's body during the procedure. The presence of metal implants must be reported to the doctor in advance.

The video details bone marrow MRI:

When the procedure is contraindicated

There are 2 types of contraindications:

• absolute;
• relative.

If there are absolute contraindications, the procedure is unacceptable. But if there are relative contraindications, it is possible under certain conditions.

Absolute contraindications:

• presence of a heart rate stimulator;
• implants in the middle ear of the electronic type;
• the presence of metal implants.

MRI is not usually performed in the first trimester of pregnancy

Relative contraindications:

• overexcited state of the patient;
• the presence of various prostheses in the patient’s body, including valves, teeth, etc.
• panic fear of enclosed spaces;
• first 3 months of pregnancy;
• tattoos made with dyes that contain metals.

Contraindications for this procedure must be discussed with your doctor.