Multiple Myeloma: Role of Imaging in Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment Response Assessment

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2021 Apr;42(2):184-193. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2020.08.019. Epub 2020 Aug 30.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is a common hematologic malignancy of plasma cells. Differentiating multiple myeloma from the precursor stages of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smoldering multiple myeloma is very important because the treatment approach is different for each. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, while the role of imaging is confined to the staging process, assessing response to therapy, and monitoring for disease progression. In this article, we examine the role of different imaging modalities in patients with multiple myeloma.

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance*
  • Multiple Myeloma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Myeloma* / therapy