Other prognostic factors: Imaging
Among the various imaging techniques used in myeloma, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides the most useful prognostic information. Several studies have shown that the pattern of myeloma cell infiltration of the bone marrow and the number of focal lesions both correlate with the ISS staging system and survival. Earlier detection can also help to prevent irreversible structural damage.
MRI can also accurately stage solitary bone plasmacytoma, predict the progression of smouldering myeloma, and determine response to treatment. As MRI scanning becomes more widely available, it may in future be very useful in helping to determine prognosis and response to treatment.