[Acute osteomyelitis in young children--a diagnostic challenge].

BACKGROUND: Acute osteomyelitis in young children poses a diagnostic challenge. Signs and symptoms are often not well defined and blood tests (SR, CRP etc.) are often of limited value. Standard roentgenograms do not preclude the diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present eight cases of acute osteomyelitis in children under the age of two, seen at the Child Centre, at Ullevaal University Hospital during the last year.

RESULTS: Scintigraphic interpretation failed to reveal the diagnosis in two cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was shown to be a more reliable method. Only a few biopsies were done.

INTERPRETATION: Examination of children suspected of suffering from an osteomyelitis should include both a bone scintigraphy, MRI, and to the extent possible a needle biopsy.