Pubic Osteolysis in an Elderly Masquerading as Malignancy: A Case Report and Review of Literature

A rapidly progressive destructive lesion characterizes pubic osteolysis (PO) in the pubic bone due to an inadequate fracture healing response. It may be seen in pelvic insufficiency fractures (IF) secondary to radiation therapy (RT) of pelvic malignancies, occurring even in the absence of significant trauma. Such a radiological picture may distract the clinician towards a malignant etiology and may affect the management.

A 79- year- old female, known case of carcinoma of the urinary bladder, underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) (CECT) of the abdomen and pelvis as a routine follow- up and was found to have an osteolytic lesion in the right pubic bone, suggesting a malignant pathology. CT- guided biopsy did not reveal any malignant or infective etiology. The patient showed recovery with conservative management.

Osteolytic lesions of the pubic bone can often occur following radiation for pelvic malignancies. It occurs due to impaired fracture reparative response by a bone afflicted by radiation therapy RT. It can be managed effectively with conservative analgesics, bisphosphonates, calcium, and Vitamin D supplementation. The radiographic picture can imitate malignant or infective lesions and provoke invasive testing for confirmation. The clinicians need to be conscious of this clinical entity to initiate proper treatment and avoid unnecessary investigations.