[Magnetic resonance imaging of fluorosis and stress fractures due to fluoride]

Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic. 1991 Nov 30;58(11):803-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Osteocondensation of the spine and stress fractures of the appendicular bones are observed under treatment with sodium fluoride or after long-term drinking of Vichy Saint-Yorre spring water. Five patients with a mean total dose of fluoride intake of 24.7 g (9-66) were studied with MR imaging. Two of them had a diffuse osteocondensation; MRI showed a low signal intensity in the vertebrae on T1 and T2-weighted images. MRI was performed in an asymptomatic patient who was being treated with sodium fluoride for 16 months; it revealed a heterogenous low signal intensity in the pelvis and femoral metaphysis. Two patients experienced stress fractures; MRI demonstrated a linear area of very low signal intensity surrounded by an area of decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. MRI of fluorosis shows a non specific low signal intensity linked to a densifying image on the standard radiograph or an area of high technetium-99m intake on bone scan.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Fluoride Poisoning / complications*
  • Fractures, Stress / chemically induced*
  • Fractures, Stress / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Injuries / chemically induced*
  • Spinal Injuries / diagnosis*