Imaging methods for bone mass evaluation during childhood and adolescence: an update.
The objective of the work was to prepare an update on imaging methods for bone evaluation during childhood and adolescence. The text was based on original and review articles on imaging methods for clinical evaluation of bone mass in children and adolescents up to 20 years old. They were selected from BIREME and PUBMED by means of the following keywords: bone density; osteoporosis/diagnosis; densitometry; tomography; ultrasonography; magnetic resonance imaging; and radiogrammetry and published in Portuguese or English, in the last 10 years (2006-2016). The article was organized into topics with the description of peculiarities, advantages and disadvantages of each imaging method and their possible clinical applicability. Despite the emergence of new technologies, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the gold standard method for low bone mass diagnosis in all age groups. However, interpretation is complex in children and adolescents and demands skilled people. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) [central QCT, peripheral QCT (pQCT) and high resolution-pQCT (HR-pQCT)] and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluate real bone density, but are not yet available for routine use. Quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS) shows good perspectives for its use in primary prevention actions. Automated radiogrammetry shows promise as a method able to flag individuals who might benefit from a complete bone assessment, but the clinical value of the measures still needs to be established.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculdade de Medicina/Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) Av. Alfredo Balena 190, s/267 30130-100, Belo Horizonte, MG.
Isabela Leite
IL
Pezzuti
Department of Locomotor System, Faculdade de Medicina/Hospital das Clínicas niversidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG.
Adriana Maria
AM
Kakehasi
Pediatric Imaging, Faculdade de Medicina/Hospital das Clínicas Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG.
Maria Tereza
MT
Filgueiras
Research initiation student, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG.
Juliana Albano
JA
de Guimarães
Research initiation student, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG.
Isabela Alves Campos
IAC
de Lacerda
Department of Pediatrics, Head of Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculdade de Medicina/Hospital das Clínicas Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG.
Ivani Novato
IN
Silva
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods; D000293:Adolescent; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
bone density; children; densitometry; magnetic resonance imaging; osteoporosis/diagnosis; radiogrammetry; tomography; ultrasonography