Osteopetrosis

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Inciental finding in right renal colic.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male

Rx sacrum-coccyx

x-ray

Lateral radiograph shows the alternating dense-lucent-dense appearance clearer than the antero posterior incidence.

CT abdominal without contrast

ct

The ct study shows the sclerotic bands on the inferior and superior endplates of the vertebral bodies (alternating dense-lucent-dense appearance). All vertebral bodies are affected. There’s also some intravertebral disc herniation (Schmorl nodes). The whole skeleton shows a sclerotic appearance.

Case Discussion

In osteopetrosis spine there is a sharp demarcation between the peripheral bony sclerosis and the relative lucency of central vertebral bodies (in contrast with the indistinct margins in rugger jersey spine pathognomonic of hyperparathyroidism, particularly the secondary form related to chronic renal failure) producing the characteristic ''sandwich vertebrae'' appearance.

Case courtesy Dr.ssa Chiara Gennari

Radiographer: TSRM Fabio Imola

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