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Leontiasis ossea

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody and Dr Frank Gaillard et al.

Leontiasis ossea is a largely historical term used to describe a number of conditions which result in the affected patient's face resembling that of a lion. Although it is most frequently associated with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, it has a broader meaning encompassing other lesions that have similar appearance ^1,4.

In general the distinction is made between true leontiasis ossea (craniofacial fibrous dysplasia) and other conditions having similar external appearance (mimics), however it would be safe to say that as a term it is no longer of clinical use and should be avoided.

In addition to craniofacial fibrous dysplasia the following conditions may mimic leontiasis ossea:

Paget disease
gigantism
craniosysonstosis
tumours of the paranasal sinuses
syphilitic osteoperiostitis
ureamia with secondary hyperparathyroidism ²

Etymology

The famed Virchow first coined the term leontiasis ossea in 1864 ³.

Rudolf Ludwig Karl Virchow : (1821 - 1902) German pathologist and statesman ⁵

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