Phalangeal microgeodic disease: report of two cases and review of imaging

Abstract

Phalangeal microgeodic disease is a rare disease that is frequently (though not invariably) related to cold exposure. In most cases, the clinical and radiographic findings of phalangeal microgeodic disease are sufficient to reach the diagnosis. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of phalangeal microgeodic disease have been described in four cases in the English literature with two additional cases presented here. MRI allows a greater appreciation of affected bone areas and adds specificity to radiography with regard to diagnosis. In this sense, MRI is a helpful investigation in those cases of phalangeal microgeodic disease when doubt still exists following clinical and radiographic assessment.