Incidental rickets in the emergency department setting

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Radiology

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a childhood bone disorder causing skeletal deformities.
• Radiographic signs include metaphyseal changes like widening, fraying, and cupping.
• Rickets is increasingly recognized, challenging its perception as a historical disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the rising incidence of rickets in children.
• To emphasize the importance of diagnosing rickets as an incidental finding.
• To showcase the benefits of early detection and intervention.

Main Methods:

• Presentation of two pediatric cases diagnosed with rickets.
• Diagnosis was made during emergency department visits for unrelated symptoms.
• Radiographic findings and clinical presentations were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Rickets was identified incidentally in two children.
• The cases underscore the persistence of rickets in contemporary pediatric populations.
• Early diagnosis through incidental findings is crucial.

Conclusions:

• The reemergence of rickets is linked to modern pediatric practices like exclusive breastfeeding and sunblock use.
• Diagnosing rickets incidentally can lead to timely dietary supplementation.
• Prompt intervention can prevent symptomatic disease and long-term complications.