Radiographic features of bisphosphonate therapy in pediatric patients.
BACKGROUND
Pediatric patients are being treated with bisphosphonates for low bone mineral density. Skeletal radiographic findings have been described with bisphosphonates given orally and intravenously.


OBJECTIVE
To determine and describe the radiographic findings of cyclic intravenous bisphosphonate therapy in the growing skeleton.


METHODS
Retrospective review of radiographs of 32 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta or cerebral palsy treated with intravenous bisphosphonates on a quarterly schedule.


RESULTS
Principal observations were metaphyseal bands and increased bone mineral density. The bands varied in spacing according to the age of the patient, rate of growth, and the location of the metaphysis. Fractures continued to be seen in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.


CONCLUSIONS
Cyclic bisphosphonate therapy results in distinctive radiographic findings in the growing skeleton.
Grissom
Leslie E
LE
Department of Medical Imaging, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Nemours Children's Clinic-Wilmington, P.O. Box 269, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA. lgrissom@nemours.org
Harcke
H Theodore
HT
D000293:Adolescent; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D001846:Bone Development; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010013:Osteogenesis Imperfecta / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000077268:Pamidronate; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077268:Pamidronate