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Osteonecrosis in children with severe acute respiratory syndrome

Chun-Wing Chan1, Wa-Keung Chiu, Chak-Chung Chan

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. desmondcwchan@hotmail.com

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|September 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) survivors may develop osteonecrosis, a bone disease. This study suggests magnetic resonance imaging screening for osteonecrosis in children who had SARS due to its high prevalence and often asymptomatic nature.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric bone diseases
  • Infectious disease complications
  • Medical imaging

Background:

  • Osteonecrosis is a known complication in adults post-severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence and presentation of osteonecrosis in pediatric populations following SARS.
  • High prevalence and asymptomatic nature of osteonecrosis in adults necessitate further investigation in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the occurrence of osteonecrosis in children who recovered from SARS.
  • To highlight the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing pediatric osteonecrosis.
  • To propose a screening strategy for osteonecrosis in children with a history of SARS.

Main Methods:

  • Case series reporting on five pediatric patients.
  • Diagnosis of osteonecrosis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Review of clinical history and imaging findings in children with prior SARS.

Main Results:

  • Five children presented with magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed osteonecrosis.
  • Osteonecrosis was identified in pediatric SARS survivors.
  • The condition can be asymptomatic, making detection challenging without screening.

Conclusions:

  • Osteonecrosis is a potential complication of SARS in children.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for detecting osteonecrosis in this population.
  • Routine MRI screening for osteonecrosis is recommended for children with a history of severe SARS.

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