MR imaging of the bone marrow

The bone marrow is the fourth largest organ of the body. Its major function represents the hematopoiesis, i. e. it supplies the body with erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets in order to maintain the oxygenation, immune function and self-restauration of the body. The knowledge of the MR signal intensity of the normal and abnormal bone marrow is essential for a comprehensive report of virtually any MR image, because the bone marrow is nearly always depicted and, thus, has to be always evaluated. The following article will provide an overview on the current approach to and knowledge on MR imaging of the bone marrow. (orig.)