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Diagnosing osteomyelitis in Gaucher's disease. Observations on two cases
J J Sziklas1, J A Negrin, W Rosshirt
1Department of Radiology, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut 06115.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Diagnosing osteomyelitis in Gaucher disease patients is challenging due to overlapping bone symptoms. Imaging like MRI may aid in differentiating Gaucher
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Orthopedics
- Genetic disorders
Background:
- Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder.
- GD commonly causes bone complications, including avascular necrosis and bone crises.
- Distinguishing infection from GD bone manifestations is clinically difficult.
Observation:
- Two patients with Gaucher disease presented with bone pain.
- Initial bone scans suggested Gaucher-associated osseous crises.
- Bone-radiogallium subtraction studies were initially negative in both patients.
Findings:
- Both patients were surgically confirmed to have osteomyelitis.
- Gaucher's bone disease can mask or mimic signs of infection.
- A positive bone-radiogallium subtraction study was observed in one patient despite being afebrile.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of osteomyelitis in Gaucher disease patients is complex.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may offer improved diagnostic capabilities.
- Clinical suspicion for osteomyelitis should be maintained even in afebrile Gaucher disease patients.