Which radiographic finding is classically associated with multiple myeloma?

Which radiographic finding is classically associated with multiple myeloma?

• A. Sclerotic Bone Lesions
• B. Punched-Out Lytic Lesions
• C. Sunburst Pattern
• D. Ground-Glass Opacities

Answer: (B)

Multiple myeloma destroys bone May through increased osteoclast activity driven by malignant plasma cells, leading to focal bone loss with little new bone formation. On plain radiographs, this shows up as well-defined, dark holes called punched-out lytic lesions. They’re classic for myeloma and most often seen in the skull but can appear in all bones. Other patterns don’t fit myeloma: sclerotic lesions imply new bone formation (seen with osteoblastic metastases like prostate cancer); a sunburst pattern is a periosteal reaction typical of osteosarcoma; and ground-glass opacities describe hazy densities seen in other bone or pulmonary conditions, not the destructive lytic pattern of myeloma.

Multiple myeloma destroys bone May through increased osteoclast activity driven by malignant plasma cells, leading to focal bone loss with little new bone formation. On plain radiographs, this shows up as well-defined, dark holes called punched-out lytic lesions. They’re classic for myeloma and most often seen in the skull but can appear in all bones.

Other patterns don’t fit myeloma: sclerotic lesions imply new bone formation (seen with osteoblastic metastases like prostate cancer); a sunburst pattern is a periosteal reaction typical of osteosarcoma; and ground-glass opacities describe hazy densities seen in other bone or pulmonary conditions, not the destructive lytic pattern of myeloma.