Name of the Procedure:

Bone marrow imaging; whole body
Common names: Whole-body bone marrow imaging, Bone marrow scan

Summary

Bone marrow imaging involves taking detailed pictures of the bone marrow throughout the entire body using specialized imaging techniques. This procedure helps identify abnormalities or diseases affecting the bone marrow.

Purpose

This procedure is used to detect and evaluate conditions affecting the bone marrow, such as cancers (like leukemia and lymphoma), bone marrow disorders, or metastasis. The goal is to obtain a detailed view of the bone marrow to aid in diagnosis and guide treatment plans.

Indications

• Unexplained anemia or other blood abnormalities
• Persistent bone pain or unexplained fractures
• Suspected bone marrow diseases (e.g., leukemia, multiple myeloma)
• Monitoring and staging of cancer
• Evaluation of fever of unknown origin

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications may need to be paused or adjusted.
• Comprehensive medical history and blood tests may be required beforehand.
• Patients should inform their doctor of any allergies or pregnancy.

Procedure Description

1. The patient lies still on an imaging table.
2. A radiotracer (a small amount of radioactive material) may be injected into a vein, which travels to the bone marrow.
3. A special camera (such as a PET or MRI scanner) captures images of the entire body, focusing on the bone marrow.
4. The imaging process involves taking multiple pictures from different angles to compile a full-body scan.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, including preparation and the actual imaging process.

Setting

Bone marrow imaging is usually performed in a hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging clinic.

Personnel

• Radiologist (interprets the images)
• Radiology technician (operates the imaging equipment)
• Nurse (administers the radiotracer and provides patient care)

Risks and Complications

• Exposure to a small amount of radiation
• Allergic reaction to the radiotracer (rare)
• Discomfort from lying still for an extended period
• Possible bruising or infection at the injection site (rare)

Benefits

• Provides detailed images of the bone marrow, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
• Helps in early detection and monitoring of bone marrow diseases.
• Assists in planning appropriate treatments.

Recovery

• Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the radiotracer.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results with the healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Bone marrow biopsy (involves taking a sample of bone marrow tissue)
• Blood tests and other laboratory evaluations
• MRI or CT scans without radiotracers
• Each alternative has different levels of invasiveness, accuracy, and diagnostic capability.

Patient Experience

• Generally, the procedure is painless, but lying still may be uncomfortable.
• Some experience a slight discomfort from the injection.
• Pain management and comfort measures are provided as needed.
• Most do not feel any effects from the radiotracer.