[Bone changes in homocystinuria in childhood]

La Radiologia Medica
|December 1, 1984
PubMed

Insights

Homocystinuria, a metabolic disorder, causes significant skeletal abnormalities in children. Roentgenological evaluation revealed widespread bone changes, particularly osteoporosis, in the spine and growth areas.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Genetics
  • Pediatric Radiology
  • Biochemical Disorders

Background:

  • Homocystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder of sulfur amino acid metabolism.
  • It is clinically characterized by lens dislocation, intellectual disability, skeletal abnormalities, and thromboembolic events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To radiologically evaluate and characterize skeletal abnormalities in pediatric patients with homocystinuria.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of roentgenological findings in 12 pediatric patients diagnosed with homocystinuria.
  • Focus on identifying specific bone changes and their locations.

Main Results:

  • Widespread skeletal abnormalities were detected in all patients.
  • Key findings include osteoporosis, dolichostenomelia, arachnodactyly, and calcific spicules in wrist physes.
  • Abnormalities were most prominent in the dorsolumbar spine and epi-metaphyseal growth areas.

Conclusions:

  • Cystathionine synthase deficiency (homocystinuria) leads to significant and widespread skeletal manifestations in children.
  • Radiological assessment is crucial for identifying these bone changes, aiding in diagnosis and management.

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