Post-pregnancy osteoporosis-related multiple vertebral fractures associated with post-partum thyroiditis: A...

Osteoporosis is a condition commonly observed in elderly and postmenopausal women. Pregnancy and lactation-induced osteoporosis are rare, and the development of severe vertebral fractures is uncommon. Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) is a minor cause of osteoporosis. To the best of our knowledge, the development of osteoporosis associated with pregnancy has not yet been reported.

Here, we report a rare case of post-pregnancy osteoporosis-related multiple vertebral fractures associated with PPT. A 25-year-old woman developed lower back pain after her first delivery. She was then admitted to our medical center because of aggravated back pain.

On radiographic examination, she had multiple compressions of the lumbar spine. Bone mineral density was associated with osteoporosis. Laboratory tests, thyroid scans, and thyroid ultrasonography were performed. The patient was diagnosed with PPT.

The patient stopped lactating immediately. She was administered bisphosphate at 3 mg/3 months intravenously, elementary calcium at 1000 mg/day, and calcitriol 0.5 μg/day.

A month later, her pain was relieved by proper management and she could independently walk indoors.

PPT might play a role in aggravating post-pregnancy osteoporosis. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with postpartum osteoporosis-related multiple spine fractures.