Idiopathic acro-osteolysis in an elderly woman. A 10-year follow-up

We report a case of idiopathic acro-osteolysis in an 80-year-old, otherwise normal woman. The patient first presented at the age of 70 years with a 3-year history of progressive shortening of the left toes. There was no history of trauma or bone disorders. She had osteolysis of the left second to fourth distal phalanges. Angiography was normal. During follow-up over 10 years the osteolysis gradually progressed and spread to affect the right toes.