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Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease is a rare sex-linked leukodystrophy. Its metabolic basis has not been identified yet and diagnosis in mainly based on clinical findings and pathological investigation. Cerebral biopsy is not always performed because of lack of available therapy. Genetic counseling can be provided if the diagnosis is secured. Four cases are reported, in children with characteristic signs, who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) Imaging. MR Imaging appears to be more sensitive than computed tomography to visualize white matter disease: T1 weighted images suggest hypomyelination, in conformity with abnormal myelination. T2 weighted images show a non specific high signal in the white matter.

The authors report a case of subperiosteal osteoid osteoma of the femoral neck in a 14 year-old girl presenting as chronic hip monoarthritis with narrowed coxofemoral joint space and non specific histological synovitis. They analyse the synovitis which is associated with some osteoid osteomas (hip, elbow, knee, ankle bones) emphasizing the "pseudo-arthritis of the hip" picture and insist that all cases of unexplained chronic monoarthritis of the hip should suggest subperiosteal osteoid osteoma of the neck.

The authors report a case of giant Meckel's diverticulum, presenting as a subumbilical abdominal mass, associated with an infectious picture and anemia in a 16 month-old boy. Epidemiologic, pathologic and clinical features of this rare disorder are reviewed as are the diagnostic means. The differential diagnosis with other cystic masses of the umbilical area (omphalo-mesenteric duct cyst, urachal cyst, mesenteric cyst, duplication) is discussed.

The case of a 4 year-old girl with ectopic spleen is reported. The diagnostic values of ultrasonography and scintigraphy are emphasized.

The authors report a case of subdural hematoma of the posterior fossa in a full-term neonate. The lack of specific symptoms is frequent. Diagnosis relies on CT scan and NMR data. In cases with neurologic involvement, good results depend on rapid neurosurgical treatment, in order to avoid sequelae.

A case of arteriovenous malformation of the spinal canal in a 8 year-old girl is reported. This child complained of night abdominal pain for several months, without diagnosis. Plain X-ray showed an enlargement of the lumbar spinal canal. Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosed a spinal vascular malformation, which was confirmed by angiography. Interest of MRI in such a case is emphasized.