Radiological features noted on plain radiographs in malnutrition in african children

Forty severe cases of primary malnutrition, uncomplicated by broncho-pneumonia or gastro-enteritis, were studied in African infants. The main radiological features found were: (1) The lungs showed underfilling of the peripheral blood vessels. The reduced vascularity may account for the increased incidence of broncho-pneumonia occurring in malnutrition. (2) There was no recognisable cardiomegaly. (3) Radiographs of the abdomen showed distension and fluid levels in both small and large bowel. (4) The ossification centres and bone age were not affected. (5) Scurvy was not seen. (6) Rickets was rarely encountered and its incidence was lower than that in better fed children. (7) Osteoporosis, despite protein insufficiency, was recognised in only a small percentage of the series.