Objective:To study the MRI features and its value in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the vertebral multiple myeloma(MM).Methods: The MRI features of 16 patients with vertebral MM proved by histology were retrospectively analyzed.Results: The vertebral MM was classified into the following four types :Normal type accounted for 6.25%

in which the lesions were mild hyper-intensity on T1WI and iso-intensity on T2WI.Diffuse type accounted for 56.25%

in which the lesions were diffuse hypo-intensity with clear border on T1WI and hyper-intensity with indistinct border or iso-intensity on T2WI.Localized type accounted for 18.75%

in which the lesions were multiple nodular or patchy hypo-intensity on T1WI and mild hyper-intensity or iso-intensity on T2WI."Salt with pepper" type accounted for 18.75%

in which the lesions were diffuse spot-like mixed hyper-

iso-and hypo-intensity.The all lesions were hyper-intensity on STIR images.The involved vertebrae were continuous

which accounted for 68.75%.The vertebral bodies were metamorphosed in 5 cases(31.25%).The appendixes were involved in 4 cases(25%).The paravertebral soft tissue mass was found in only 1 case(6.25%).Conclusion: The vertebral MM has some features on MRI.MRI is valuable in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the vertebral MM.