Imaging chronic sclerosing osteitis of the diaphysis of tubular bones.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to report the radiographic changes seen in chronic sclerosing osteitis of the diaphysis of tubular bones during progression or healing, with CT and MRI correlation. Chronic sclerosing osteitis is an inflammatory condition of bone that can be considered a pediatric subset of the synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) spectrum of disease. Previous descriptions of long-bone involvement focus predominately on metaphyseal lesions. Eleven diaphyseal lesions in seven patients (age range, 13 months-14.5 years) were followed.

CONCLUSION: The marked degree of cortical hyperostosis, medullary narrowing, and cortical lucencies seen in eight of 11 lesions is helpful for recognition of diaphyseal chronic sclerosing osteitis. Early identification of the disorder can prevent unnecessary repeat invasive procedures.