Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have lupus and R/a with a history of cancer, uterine that came back vaginally. I just got back MRI results and it shows mild marrow heterogeneity. Fatty marrow reconversion versus hemangiomas are present within the L1 and L2 vertebral bodies. Moderate degenerative endplate changes are present at the L2-L3 level. Disc desiccation is most pronounced between L2 and L where there is mild disc space narrowing. What does this mean and should I worry about the marrow heterogeneity with my history of cancer?
[|AI|]  I read your query and considering your history of cancer I completely understand your concern.However that term shouldn't worry you much, at least not related to your history of cancer. Marrow heterogeneity is often found because the marrow undergoes changes with age and according to blood production needs. As these changes happen changes also the components making for the presence of red marrow active in hematopoiesis (production of blood elements) and yellow marrow which is not active and is called that due to a higher concentration of fat. As we grow older there's more yellow marrow, more fat, and the combination of these red and yellow areas makes for different signals on MRI hence the heterogeneity. The rest of the exam speaks of degenerative changes of the spine, they are to be expected with age, so their significance depends on your age and symptoms. Hemangiomas are also a common finding, often incidentally detected as usually they cause no symptoms and need no treatment. I hope to have been of help