Growth Plate Suppression in an Adolescent Patient With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia After Treatment

Osteotoxic effect is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The pathophysiology of impaired bone growth is multifactorial and can affect both osteoblast and osteoclast function. Significant contribution in affecting skeletal metabolism belongs to high-dose corticosteroid treatment. We present the case of a 12-year-old adolescent girl who was treated for high-risk pro-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The Tc-MDP bone scan, as a sensitive indicator of osteoblastic activity, shows that growth plate inhibition after intensive treatment may be temporary and reversible.