Van Buchem disease

Last revised by Francis Fortin on 15 Feb 2018

Van Buchem disease (VBD) is an extremely rare hereditary sclerosing bone dysplasia, also known as hyperostosis corticalis generalisata. This disease is characterized most notably by mandibular enlargement and thickening of the skull.

Less than 30 cases have been reported in the literature, with most cases being seen in those with Dutch ancestry 1.

VBD is a homozygous recessive disorder. A deletion affecting the SOST gene alters expression of sclerostin in osteoblasts, causing failure of inhibition of osteoblastic bone formation 1.

Patients with VBD will show elevated levels of serum alkaline phosphatase in 50% of cases.

VBD is typified by diffuse sclerosis and hyperostosis of the skeleton, but most prominently observed in the cranial and tubular bones. Because of this, complications include those secondary to the bony enlargement, including facial distortions, cranial nerve compression, vision and hearing impairment. 

Differential diagnosis includes other sclerosing bone dysplasias. Those most similar in appearance to VBD include:

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