[Bone effects of hypothyroidism in adults. Apropos of 20 cases]

In contrast to the complications of hyperthyroidism, the bone lesions associated with hypothyroidism have not been extensively studied. A prospective study was conducted in 20 adults with protothyroid acquired hypothyroidism did not reveal any abnormalities in the parameters of phospho-calcium metabolism or the concentrations of PTH and the metabolites of vitamin D. The histomorphometric study of bone revealed hyperosteoidosis reflected by a considerable increase in the index of thickness of the osteoid, essentially affecting the relative osteoid volume. The surfaces of resorption and the bony trabecular volume were within normal limits and the rate of calcification was slightly decreased. The modifications of the histomorphometric investigation can be interpreted as a consequence of the slowing down of the basal osseous activity (BMR) due to thyroid hormone deprivation.