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Osteopetrosis

Case contributed by Albert Asatryan
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Rule out fracture

Patient Data

Age: 18
Gender: Male
x-ray

There is increased density of bone marrrow in the head and proximal humerus as well as the glenoid and medial border of the scapula. Bones have smooth margins with no irregular periosteal new bone formation. There seems to be a bone-within-bone appearance of the affected skeleton. There is end plate thickening and sclerotic appearance of the visible potions of the dorsal spinal vertebrae (sandwich vertebra). The spine appearance could also suggest the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism (rugger-jersey spine) but the sharp margin between sclerotic end plates and more lucent bone centrally is in favor of osteopetrosis. 

 

Case Discussion

Typical appearance of osteopetrosis with bone within a bone sign and sandwich vertebra. No acute injury. 

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