Lipomembranous osteodysplasia: a case report

A case is reported of symmetrical cystic bone destruction in a young woman; in the affected areas bony tissue was replaced by a lipomembranous material and the lesions show unique features on electron and light microscopy. The patient suffered from skeletal pain and spontaneous fractures occurred in weightbearing bones. The bony disease was associated with psychiatric signs of leucoencephalopathy and brain atrophy. The aetiology is unknown, but it is possible that the condition may have a genetic basis. Treatment can only be directed towards the relief of symptoms.