Dense metaphyseal bands and growth arrest associated with isotretinoin therapy

A 9-year-old boy, treated with high-dose isotretinoin therapy for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, developed dense metaphyseal bands and growth arrest. Discontinuance of isotretinoin therapy was followed by gradual decrease of metaphyseal bands and resumption of clinical growth. The dense metaphyseal bands may be related to the known action of retinoids as modulators of chondrocyte phenotype and gene expression.