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Ebb and flow rickets in a premature infant: the Afghan turban sign
T Biegański1, A E Oestreich, S Nowak
1Polish Mothers' Memorial Hospital, 281, Rzgowska Street, PL-93-338 Lódz, Poland.
Skeletal Radiology
|December 11, 1999
Insights
The "Afghan turban" sign in long bones indicates recurrent rickets requiring further treatment. Recognizing this pattern aids radiologists in guiding infant care for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Skeletal Dysplasias
- Nutritional Deficiencies
Background:
- Rickets, a condition affecting bone development in children, can present with characteristic radiographic findings.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of long-term skeletal deformities.
Observation:
- The "Afghan turban" sign, a pattern of alternating dense and lucent bands with straight edges at the metaphysis, is observed in long bones.
- This specific radiographic finding suggests a history of incompletely treated rickets that has recurred and been retreated.
Findings:
- The "Afghan turban" sign is a reliable indicator of recurrent or persistent rickets.
- Radiographic patterns of rickets, including the "Afghan turban" sign, can provide valuable information about the disease's history and response to treatment.
Implications:
- Recognition of the "Afghan turban" sign enables radiologists to recommend appropriate therapeutic adjustments.
- This finding is particularly relevant in managing complex cases, such as in very low birth weight infants, optimizing treatment strategies.
- Accurate interpretation of rickets patterns can significantly influence clinical management and improve patient prognosis.
Abstract:
The pattern of alternating dense and lucent bands, with straight outer edges, at the youngest metaphysis of long bones, the "Afghan turban" sign, occurs when incompletely treated rickets has recurred and been retreated. Recognition of this, and other, rickets patterns allows the radiologist to influence treatment, as described in a very low birth weight infant.