Growth arrest recovery lines in hypoparathyroidism

Dense lines paralleling vertebral end plates with a "bone-in-bone" appearance were seen on radiographs of five patients with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. The lines are similar to those seen in cases in which there is recovery from a growth arrest. The cause of the lines is unclear and may be related not only to the metabolic process itself, but also to its complications and treatment. The finding, although nonspecific, should bring the possibility of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism to mind.