"Flip-Flop Phenomenon" - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pitfall: A Case Report

Authors

  • Monojit Mondal
  • Suchi Gaba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v15i6.4271

Keywords:

Flip-flop, serous atrophy of bone marrow, MRI, malnutrition, spine, anemia, weight loss

Abstract

A 66-year-old cachectic female with underlying anorexia nervosa and lower limb weakness was referred for a spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Imaging appearances were initially thought to represent underlying systemic pathology involving bone marrow or inadvertent wrong selection of imaging sequences. It was, however, established that unique imaging appearances are secondary to 'Flip-Flop' phenomenon owing to underlying nutritional status of the patient. 'Flip-Flop' phenomenon on the Magnetic Resonance Imaging is result of an underlying pathological process of serous atrophy of bone marrow. Appreciation and recognition of this phenomenon will help in the correct interpretation of the images and leads a clinician toward appropriate management.

Author Biographies

Monojit Mondal

Consultant Radiologist, Department of Clinical Radiology, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2PW

Suchi Gaba

 

Consultant MSK Radiologist, Department of Clinical Radiology, Royal Stoke University Hospital; Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom, ST4 6QG

 

Prevalence of Cervical Spondylolisthesis in the Sagittal Plane Using Radiographic Imaging in a Pediatric Population: A Cross Sectional Analysis of Vertebral Subluxation by Curtis Fedorchuk et al.

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Published

2021-06-20

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 6 (2021)

Section

Musculoskeletal Radiology

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