AGE-DEPENDENT MR-IMAGING OF THE TIBIA IN CHILDREN UP TO 2-YEARS OF AGE - FINDINGS IN CHILDREN WITHOUT DISEASE OR TREATMENT COURSES RELATINGTO THE BONE-MARROW

Since the beginning of bone marrow conversion presents with substantia l differences as shown by anatomical or magnetic resonance studies, th e purpose of this study was to demonstrate via MRI an age-dependent bo ne marrow conversion of the tibia in children of up to two years of ag e. Methods: We studied the bone marrows of the tibia in 24 children ra nging from one month to two years by means of MRI. T-1-weighted SE-seq uences were used. Children who suffered from diseases affecting the bo ne marrow were excluded. A retrospective analysis of the MR images was performed. Result: A gradual increase of signal intensity could be de monstrated in the epiphyses and the diaphysis of the tibia beginning s hortly after birth. During the first two years of life a further incre ase of signal intensity could be observed in these regions, progressin g through metaphyses up to the growthplates. Conclusion: First signs o f bone marrow conversion can be detected in the tibia shortly after bi rth. Bone marrow infiltration in the tibia is expected to be recognise d by MRI from this time onward.