The myelogram, or aspiration puncture of the bone marrow, is an exam in which the puncture and collection of blood from the bone marrow is done, done to check how the blood production is working and to identify diseases in which there is interference in this production, such as leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, for example.
This exam needs to be done with a thick needle, capable of reaching the inner part of the bone where the bone marrow is located, popularly known as marrow, so it is necessary to perform a small localized anesthesia to decrease the pain and discomfort during procedure.
After collecting the material, the hematologist will analyze the blood sample, and identify possible changes, such as decreased blood cell production, the production of defective or cancerous cells, for example.
When is indicated
The myelogram is indicated by the doctor in the following situations:
- Investigation of unexplained anemia, or reduction in the number of white blood cells and platelets in which the causes were not identified in the initial tests; Research of causes for changes in the function or shape in blood cells; Diagnosis of hematological cancer, such as leukemia or multiple myeloma, among others, as well as monitoring the evolution or treatment, when it has already been confirmed; Suspected metastasis of severe cancer to the bone marrow; Investigation of fever of unknown cause, even after several tests; Suspected infiltration in the marrow bone by substances such as iron, in the case of hemochromatosis, or infections, such as visceral leishmaniasis.
Thus, the result of the myelogram is very important in the diagnosis of several diseases, allowing for appropriate treatment. In some cases, bone marrow biopsy may also be necessary, a more complex and time-consuming examination, as it is necessary to remove a piece of bone, but often important to give more details about the marrow. Know what it is for and how the bone marrow biopsy is done.
How is done
A myelogram is an exam that affects deep tissues of the body, as this is usually done by a general practitioner or hematologist. Generally, the bones in which the myelograms are performed are the sternum, located in the chest, the iliac crest, located in the pelvis region, or the tibia, located in the leg, and its steps include:
- Clean the area with proper materials to avoid contamination, such as povidine or chlorhexidine; Perform local anesthesia with a needle from the skin and the outside of the bone; Puncture with a special, thicker needle to pierce the bone and reach the medulla bone; connect a syringe to the needle to aspirate and collect the desired material; remove the needle and compress the area with gauze to prevent bleeding.
After collecting the material, it is necessary to perform the analysis and interpretation of the result, which can be done by slide, by the doctor himself, as well as by machines specialized in blood analysis.
Possible risks
Generally, the myelogram is a quick procedure with rare complications, however, it is possible to experience pain or discomfort at the puncture site, as well as bleeding, hematoma or infection. The collection of material may be necessary, in a few cases, because the sample is insufficient or inadequate for analysis.
