Vertebral compression fractures in an HIV-positive patient with steroid-induced Cushing syndrome: a case report

The following case describes the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a 49 year-old patient with back pain in the thoracic spine and lower extremity edema. His initial presentation, coupled with a history of trauma, required an extensive work-up to determine the source of the back pain and edema. The patient was determined to have two thoracic vertebral compression fractures, bilateral lower extremity edema of unknown origin, and osteoporosis. After diagnosis, several specialists were consulted to determine the cause of the patient's osteoporosis. Treatment consisted of kyphoplasty, physical therapy, and medication to prevent the progression of osteoporosis.