eMedicine Specialties > Radiology > Musculoskeletal

Osteomalacia and Renal Osteodystrophy: Imaging

Author: Mitchell J Kline, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Louisville, Clark Memorial and Floyd Memorial Hospitals
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Nov 29, 2007

Radiography

Findings

Radiographic examination in patients with osteomalacia may reveal only osteopenia. Characteristically, however, coarsened trabecula is present. Complications such as Looser zones (see Image 19) and complete fractures can be diagnosed radiographically. Findings of renal osteodystrophy diagnosed with conventional radiography include osseous resorption, soft-tissue calcification, osteopenia, amyloid deposition, and fracture.

Computed Tomography

Findings

CT helps evaluate pathologic fracture. Amyloidosis may cause erosion in and around a joint, resulting in subtle radiographic signs that are more clearly delineated with cross-sectional imaging techniques such as CT.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Findings

MRI helps evaluate soft tissues for ligament rupture and can evaluate pathologic fracture. Amyloidosis may cause erosion in and around a joint, resulting in subtle radiographic signs, while amyloid deposits can be visualized directly on MRI.

Nuclear Imaging

Findings

Bone scans may reveal diffuse skeletal uptake of radiopharmaceutical with a superscan appearance that can be confused with metastatic disease. However, the extremities typically have a greater level of increased uptake with secondary hyperparathyroidism than expected with metastatic disease. In addition, bone scans may reveal pseudofractures or sites of extraskeletal calcification, which also may be distinctive for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

More on Osteomalacia and Renal Osteodystrophy

Overview: Osteomalacia and Renal Osteodystrophy
Imaging: Osteomalacia and Renal Osteodystrophy
Follow-up: Osteomalacia and Renal Osteodystrophy
Multimedia: Osteomalacia and Renal Osteodystrophy
References
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References

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Further Reading

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Keywords

osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Mitchell J Kline, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Louisville, Clark Memorial and Floyd Memorial Hospitals
Mitchell J Kline, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society, Radiological Society of North America, and Society of Skeletal Radiology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Leon Lenchik, MD, Director, Densitometry Minifellowship, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University Medical Center
Leon Lenchik, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society, and Radiological Society of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Bernard D Coombs, MB, ChB, PhD, Consulting Staff, Department of Specialist Rehabilitation Services, Hutt Valley District Health Board, New Zealand
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Wilfred CG Peh, MD, MBBS, FRCP(Glasg), FRCP(Edin), FRCR, MHSM, Clinical Professor, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Senior Consultant Radiologist, Programme Office, Singapore Health Services
Wilfred CG Peh, MD, MBBS, FRCP(Glasg), FRCP(Edin), FRCR, MHSM is a member of the following medical societies: American Roentgen Ray Society, British Institute of Radiology, International Skeletal Society, Radiological Society of North America, Royal College of Physicians, and Royal College of Radiologists
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Robert M Krasny, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Radiology, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute
Robert M Krasny, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Roentgen Ray Society and Radiological Society of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Felix S Chew, MD, MBA, EdM, Professor, Department of Radiology, Vice Chairman for Radiology Informatics, Section Head of Musculoskeletal Radiology, University of Washington
Felix S Chew, MD, MBA, EdM is a member of the following medical societies: American Roentgen Ray Society, Association of University Radiologists, and Radiological Society of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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