title: Hyperechoic metaphyses in hypophosphatasia: what does it mean?
abstract: We report a case of hypophosphatasia diagnosed using US and CT at 29 weeks' gestation and confirmed by molecular analysis. Prenatal US revealed very short fetal limbs and severe demineralization of the skull. The diaphyses were normal, but the metaphyses of the long bones appeared hyperechoic with no posterior shadowing. No fractures or long-bone deformations were observed. Three-dimensional helical CT performed at 29 weeks' gestation provided additional details of the abnormal bones, i.e. irregular and cupped metaphyses that were very similar to the radiological findings of hypophosphatasia described postnatally. To our knowledge, the description of hyperechoic metaphyses in hypophosphatasia is unique and is a consequence of abnormal mineralization of the metaphyses that is specific to this pathology.
authors: Department of Pediatric Radiology, Rouen University Hospital, 1, rue de Germont, Cedex 76031 Rouen, France. Marie.Brasseur@chu-rouen.fr
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Brasseur-Daudruy
authors: Valentine
authors: V
authors: Ickowicz
authors: Sophie
authors: S
authors: Degre
authors: Eric Le
authors: EL
authors: Goupils
authors: Danielle
authors: D
authors: Eurin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003241:Consanguinity; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007014:Hypophosphatasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal