An uncommon cause of acquired osteosclerosis in adults: hepatitis C-associated osteosclerosis
Narendranath Epperla1, Fergus E McKiernan
1Department of Internal Medicine, Marshfield Clinic, 1000 N. Oak Ave, Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA, enaren10@gmail.com.
Insights
Hepatitis C-associated osteosclerosis (HCAO) is a rare bone disorder causing severe pain. Awareness is crucial for clinicians managing patients at risk for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.
Area of Science:
- Bone Biology
- Hepatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C-associated osteosclerosis (HCAO) is a rare condition.
- It presents with debilitating bone pain, increased bone turnover, and excess bone tissue.
Observation:
- This report details the 19th documented case of HCAO.
- Clinical presentation and imaging findings are presented.
Findings:
- HCAO is characterized by generalized increase in bone tissue.
- Bone pain predominantly affects the lower extremities.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of HCAO is vital for clinicians, especially those treating patients at risk for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.
- Understanding HCAO's pathogenesis may offer new therapeutic targets for osteoporosis.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C-associated osteosclerosis (HCAO) is a rare sclerosing bone condition characterized by debilitating, predominantly lower extremity bone pain, accelerated bone turnover, and a generalized increase in histologically normal trabecular and cortical bone tissue. Herein we report the clinical presentation and imaging results of the 19th case of HCAO. Clinicians, particularly those caring for a population at risk for HCV infection, should be aware of this uncommon condition. The etio-pathogenesis of HCAO remains obscure but may bear important lessons in bone biology that could lead to new treatment options for osteoporosis.
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