[Periosteal reaction in periarteritis nodosa in children]

Bone involvement has exceptionally been reported in children with periarteritis nodosa. A 5-year old girl was admitted to hospital for fever and arthralgias. Three months later, myalgias and painful subcutaneous nodules developed on the legs and ankles. Skin biopsy yielded a diagnosis of periarteritis nodosa. X-ray films revealed a bilateral periosteal reaction with images of laminae in the tibia and fibula. After a 4-year remission under corticosteroid therapy, the periosteal reaction persisted.