Renal osteodystrophy: imaging findings that mimic those of other diseases

Musculoskeletal complications in patients with chronic renal failure are common and may be related to the disease itself or to treatment. The altered metabolism in patients with chronic renal failure leads to renal osteodystrophy, which consists of osteomalacia and secondary hyperparathyroidism [1]. Erosive changes attributable to secondary hyperparathyroidism may be easily confused with rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathies, infection, or even malignancy. Brown tumors and amyloid deposition can easily be mistaken for a neoplastic process. The purpose of this article is to illustrate radiographic findings that are caused by renal failure and that often mimic other diseases by use of plain radiographs, CT scans, and MR images. Particular emphasis is placed on periarticular findings.