Research - Catherine Gordon Lab | NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Research

High-resolution peripheral computed tomography

High-resolution peripheral computed tomography (HRpQCT) is a bone assessment modality that affords measurements of the appendicular (peripheral) skeleton, as well as an evaluation of bone microarchitecture and skeletal strength. As a non-invasive tool, it is ideal for obtaining measurements in the pediatric and adolescent population. Our lab is one of a relatively small number of centers that has an HRpQCT scanner. In a number of chronic disease models, we are examining the relation between failure load and other HRpQCT–derived outcomes and fracture risk.

Two cross-sections of a tibia. Image a: tibia with internal disintegration. Image b: tibia with a solid interior. Refer to caption for more information. — **Figure:** HRpQCT assessments (after trabecular segmentation) of the tibia in a 28-year-old woman with CF (a) and 28-year-old healthy female control participant (b).

Evaluations of bone marrow composition

Our team is using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy to evaluate bone marrow fat, an outcome that is directly influenced by hormonal signals. We have studied bone marrow composition in adolescents with anorexia nervosa, and are employing this technique to examine the correlation between marrow fat and bone accrual in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease and other pediatric clinical models. T1 maps and MR spectroscopy evaluations afford noninvasive means to evaluate bone marrow composition in children and adolescents.

Refer to caption — **Figure:** Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy assessment of bone marrow composition images from the left knee (distal femur) of an adolescent girl with anorexia nervosa.