Utility and Clinical Implications of Appendicular Skeleton Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Institutional 15-Year Experience

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of appendicular skeleton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of multiple myeloma over 15 years. METHODS: A total of 107 appendicular MRIs were obtained from 67 patients. Variables including age, sex, diagnosis, stage, indication, transplant status, MRI result, and treatment course were analyzed. RESULTS: The most common indication was pain (76.6%). The most commonly affected bone groups were the proximal lower (54.3%) and upper extremity (47.6%). Most (83%) positive examinations demonstrated focal disease. Advanced Durie-Salmon stage was associated with increase in appendicular disease (P = 0.0056). Increasing age and prior negative positron emission tomography/computed tomography were associated with a decrease in appendicular disease (P = 0.0036 and 0.0011). When neoplasm was seen, 58.5% underwent management alteration. Advanced stage and history of relapse were associated with treatment alterations (P = 0.0096 and 0.0031). CONCLUSION: Appendicular MRIs comprised 9.6% of MRIs ordered. Appendicular MRI elucidates both neoplastic and nonneoplastic causes of pain. Most examinations with MRI positive for myeloma had subsequent skeletal disease and resulted in altered management.