Early changes of pseudarthrosis of tibia in neurofibromatosis type 1 in a pediatric patient: 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Pseudarthrosis of tibia is characterized by segmental osseous weakness, resulting in anterior angulation of the bone. We report a case of early changes of pseudoarthrosis on 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T-MRI) in a pediatric patient with clinical manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1. Early pseudarthrosis is seen as sheet-like soft tissue which is hyperintense on fat-suppressed T2 WI, isointense signal on T1 WI, and shows enhancement after administration of contrast material. This case highlights the utility of MRI which complements radiography in the diagnosis and follow-up of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in pediatric patients as it helps in detecting and evaluating subtle soft-tissue changes. To best of our knowledge, findings of pseudarthrosis on 3T MRI have not been previously described.