[Paget's osteitis deformans. Epidemiology and clinical picture]

Area of Science:

• Bone biology
• Pathology
• Genetics

Background:

• Osteitis deformans, also known as Paget's disease of bone, is a chronic condition affecting bone metabolism.
• It is characterized by focal areas of excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts, followed by disorganized bone formation, leading to weakened and enlarged bones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of osteitis deformans.
• To discuss its etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and monitoring parameters.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on osteitis deformans.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria including radiographic findings and biochemical markers.
• Discussion of potential etiological factors, including viral hypotheses.

Main Results:

• Osteitis deformans results in abnormal bone structure due to dysregulated osteoclast activity.
• Symptoms like pain, deformity, and fractures occur in 5-30% of patients.
• Complications include hearing loss, nerve compression, and rarely, malignant transformation.

Conclusions:

• Diagnosis relies on characteristic X-ray findings, with biopsy for select cases.
• Disease extent is assessed by bone scintigraphy; activity by urine hydroxyproline and serum alkaline phosphatase.
• While viral etiology is probable, it requires further investigation.