Epiphyseal photopenia associated with metaphyseal osteomyelitis and subperiosteal abscess.

Abstract

We present a case of metaphyseal osteomyelitis in a child where bone scintigraphy demonstrated photopenia of the distal femoral epiphysis in the absence of infection of the epiphysis or the joint space. A subsequent bone scan demonstrated evolution of the vascular compromise of the epiphysis due to the metaphyseal osteomyelitis complicated by subperiosteal abscess. We discuss the mechanisms and implications of photopenia in the setting of acute bone and joint infection.