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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Non-specific Heterogeneous Replacement Of Normal Fatty Marrow Mean?

I just picked up my MRI report. My Internist referred me to an Orthopedic back specialist. My symptom has been pain, numbness and tingling in the upper right leg. No back or hip pain. I have pain meds for other issues (abdominal surgery-bowel resection, chronic wound, hernia) the pain meds do not touch this. The MRI says 1) Mild multilevel lumbar spondylitis as described (2) Non-specific heterogeneous replacement of normal fatty marrow. this can be seen in setting of red marrow hyperplasia secondary to anemia, smoking or chronic disease. An infiltrative marrow process could have a similar appearance and is not included. Clinical/laboratory correlation is recommended. What does all this mean.
Tue, 11 Nov 2014
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Radiologist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Your MRI report in simple language is explained below.

1) Mild multilevel lumbar spondylitis as described

Age related bony erosions have occurred in your lower back spine.

2) Non-specific heterogeneous replacement of normal fatty marrow. this can be seen in setting of red marrow hyperplasia secondary to anemia, smoking or chronic disease. An infiltrative marrow process could have a similar appearance and is not included.

The bone marrow is red at younger age when blood production is more. With increasing age the marrow becomes fatty and is called yellow marrow. This continues till old age when blood requirement decreases.

However in your MRI it is seen that the fatty marrow is showing features of re conversion to red elements. This can happen in conditions like anemia where blood is less and more of hemoglobin is required by the body. Your blood hemoglobin levels need to be tested.
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What Does Non-specific Heterogeneous Replacement Of Normal Fatty Marrow Mean?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Your MRI report in simple language is explained below. 1) Mild multilevel lumbar spondylitis as described Age related bony erosions have occurred in your lower back spine. 2) Non-specific heterogeneous replacement of normal fatty marrow. this can be seen in setting of red marrow hyperplasia secondary to anemia, smoking or chronic disease. An infiltrative marrow process could have a similar appearance and is not included. The bone marrow is red at younger age when blood production is more. With increasing age the marrow becomes fatty and is called yellow marrow. This continues till old age when blood requirement decreases. However in your MRI it is seen that the fatty marrow is showing features of re conversion to red elements. This can happen in conditions like anemia where blood is less and more of hemoglobin is required by the body. Your blood hemoglobin levels need to be tested.