Occupational acroosteolysis in vinyl chloride workers in Israel

Exposure to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) may result in a bizarre syndrome, which is characterized by lytic changes in the distal phalanges, cutaneous stigmata of scleroderma, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Detailed case histories of two such patients are presented. Epidemiologic, pathogenetic and radiological aspects of occupational acroosteolysis are briefly reviewed. The possibility is emphasized that the condition may result not only from industrial (i.e., occupational) exposure to VCM but also from exposure in the home or neighborhood (i.e., nonoccupational).