Imatimid-induced bone marrow necrosis detected on MRI examination and mimicking bone metastases

Skeletal Radiol. 2007 Sep;36(9):895-8. doi: 10.1007/s00256-007-0344-0. Epub 2007 Jun 23.

Abstract

Imatinib has revolutionized the treatment and prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). In contrast to liver and/or abdominal involvement, bone metastases are an uncommon event in GIST. We report here two patients with metastatic GIST who developed pelvic bone marrow focal lesions visible on MRI examinations, while Imatinib dramatically improved other tumor sites. A biopsy in one patient diagnosed bone marrow necrosis. The other patient had a favorable follow-up over several years, without bone metastases. Focal bone marrow abnormalities, detected on MRI examinations and mimicking bone metastases in patients who were otherwise responding, should be considered as probable bone marrow necrosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Benzamides
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Necrosis
  • Pelvic Bones / pathology*
  • Piperazines / adverse effects*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Pyrimidines / adverse effects*
  • Remission Induction

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Piperazines
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate