Multiple myeloma: evaluation by CT

Although patients who have multiple myeloma usually have straightforward clinical symptoms and corroborative radiographs, in some instances, these patients will present atypically, with symptoms suggesting active disease but radiographs that are normal or nonspecific. We reviewed the records of 32 patients who had documented multiple myeloma and had undergone CT examinations, assessing the value of those examinations. Although CT is not indicated in all patients who have multiple myeloma, it is especially useful in patients who have bone pain and normal or nonspecific radiographs. CT provided confirmatory information in all cases in which lesions were seen on radiographs. CT also frequently demonstrated a greater extent of disease than could be appreciated on the radiographs.     

Supraacetabular insufficiency fractures

Insufficiency fractures in the supraacetabular region were identified in five women, aged 55-83 years. Factors contributing to the diminished resistance of their bones included postmenopausal osteoporosis, steroid therapy, radiation therapy, and rheumatoid arthritis. The supraacetabular fractures were seen on routine radiographs as hazy bands of sclerosis located immediately above and parallel to the acetabular roof. All five patients had additional fractures in the spine or pelvis. Supraacetabular insufficiency fractures may be an unsuspected cause of hip pain, especially in older women.