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Generalized increased bone density in adults

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody and Dr Hani Alsalam et al.

The causes of generalized increase in bone density in adult patients can be divided according to broad categories :

myeloproliferative disorders : myelosclerosis :
- marrow cavity is narrowed by endosteal new bone
- patchy lucencies due to persistence of fibrous tissue (generalized osteopaenia in the early stages due to myelofibrosis.
- hepatosplenomegaly
metabolic
- renal osteodystrophy
poisoning
- fluorosis :
  - with periosteal reaction, prominent muscle attachments and calcification of ligaments and interosseous membranes.
  - changes are most marked in the innominate bones and lumbar spine.
neoplastic (more commonly multifocal than generalized)
osteoblastic metastases : most commonly prostate and breasts.
lymphoma.
mastocytosis :
- sclerosis of marrow containing skeleton with patchy areas of radiolucency
- urticaria pigmentosa
- can have symptoms and signs of carcinoid syndrome.
idiopathic (more commonly multifocal than generalized)
Paget's disease : coarsened trabeculae, bony expansion and thickened cortex.
osteopetrosis

References

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1. Chapman S, Nakielny R. Aids to radiological differential diagnosis. Saunders Ltd. (2003) ISBN:0702026506. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon