MCQ MAHE 2000 Radiology Answer 2

The Correct Answer is A


Because of the pain in the legs, children may present with pseudoparalysis. In many cases they spontaneously adopt an antalgic posture, with endorotation and bent knees and hips. This is usually seen in babies born prematurely when they reach about 6-12 months of age if they have been fed deficient artificial food.

Splinter haemorrhages beneath the fingernails may occur, as in endocarditis. Haemorrhages around the eyes, ears, neck and on the roof of the mouth may occur. are very suggestive of scurvy. Spontaneous bleeding may occur anywhere in the body, including bleeding leading to palpable subperiosteal haemorrhages.

Hyperkeratotic hair follicles and perifollicular petechiae (scorbutic purpura) are quasi pathognomonic. Old scars break open. New wounds do not heal or heal poorly. The gums become swollen, purple and spongy and bleed easily. Often there will be secondary infection. In advanced scurvy, teeth fall out spontaneously.

Endochondral bone development ceases because osteoblasts no longer produce osteoid. A fibrous area is formed between diaphysis and epiphysis. The costochondral junctions enlarge. This is clinically palpable as a scorbutic rosary (not to be confused with rachitic rosary). Other symptoms include femoral neuropathy and oedema of the legs.

On X-rays of the legs, a ‘ground-glass’ appearance of the epiphysis is often described.

Scurvy has

• ground glass appearance
• pencil cortex
• trummefield zone
• pelkan spur
• frenkel line

rickets

• cupping and splaying

Category: MAHE 2000 MCQs