Bone scan of a patient with Multiple Myeloma shows
**Question:** Bone scan of a patient with Multiple Myeloma shows
A. Decreased tracer uptake in affected bones
B. Increased tracer uptake in affected bones
C. Absence of tracer uptake in affected bones
D. Uniform tracer uptake throughout the skeleton
**Correct Answer:** .
**Core Concept:** Multiple Myeloma is a plasma cell disorder characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells that secrete monoclonal immunoglobulins. These monoclonal immunoglobulins can cause bone lesions, leading to increased bone turnover and increased tracer uptake on a bone scan.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Bone scans are functional imaging techniques that assess bone activity by detecting the accumulation of radiopharmaceuticals. In the case of Multiple Myeloma, increased tracer uptake in affected bones (Option B) reflects increased bone resorption and new bone formation due to the presence of plasma cell infiltrates and excess osteoclast activation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Decreased tracer uptake (Option A) would suggest normal bone activity, which contradicts the increased bone resorption and activity seen in Multiple Myeloma.
C. Absence of tracer uptake (Option C) would indicate no bone activity, which is not characteristic of Multiple Myeloma and its effects on bone.
D. Uniform tracer uptake throughout the skeleton (Option D) is unrelated to the specifics of Multiple Myeloma and does not reflect the diverse effects of the disease on bone.
**Why This is Important:** Understanding the typical findings on a bone scan in Multiple Myeloma is crucial for diagnosing and managing this disease, as well as differentiating it from other conditions causing bone lesions. This knowledge helps to guide appropriate treatment options and monitor response to therapy.
**Clinical Pearl:** A bone scan with increased tracer uptake in Multiple Myeloma indicates increased bone turnover and activity, which can be used as a marker for disease activity and progression, as well as response to therapy.