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Breast cancer - diffuse vertebral metastases

Case contributed by Amr Farouk
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Pathologically proven breast cancer underwent mastectomy with newly developed bony aches.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female

Abnormal pathological process of marrow infiltration and replacement is seen involving the examined dorsolumbar vertebral bodies, appearing of low signal on T1 and high signal on T2 weighted images, with non-homogeneous enhancement. No vertebral structural collapse or associated soft tissue components or spinal canal compromise.

Case Discussion

Diffuse marrow infiltrative process in a patient with breast cancer is diagnostic of metastatic disease. The diagnosis was confirmed by bone scan.

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