Question

X-ray of a 5 year old child is shown in the image below. Bone mineral density is normal. Identify the condition.

• A. Rickets
• B. Scurvy
• C. Metaphyseal dysplasia
• D. Osteopetrosis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The condition presented in this problem involves interpreting an X-ray of a 5-year-old child with normal bone mineral density. Given the options and the description, we need to identify the condition that aligns with these clinical features.

Considering the options:

• Rickets: Often characterized by soft bones, potentially due to vitamin D deficiency, typically showing a decrease in bone mineral density. Therefore, with normal bone mineral density, Rickets is unlikely.
• Scurvy: This is caused by vitamin C deficiency, leading to symptoms such as bleeding gums, weakness, and swollen joints. Radiologically, it can present with normal bone mineral density but show changes such as dense metaphyseal lines and cortical thinning.
• Metaphyseal dysplasia: Characterized by abnormalities in the metaphysis of bones, often showing increased bone density or deformities, not matching the normal bone mineral density premise.
• Osteopetrosis: A condition with abnormally dense bones (increased bone mineral density), contrary to the statement about normal bone mineral density.

The description of an X-ray with normal bone mineral density, combined with the options, points towards Scurvy as the correct answer due to its potential to manifest bone issues despite normal density. Thus, the correct condition is Scurvy.