Reversible sclerotic changes of lumbar spine and femur due to long-term oral isotretinoin therapy

Rheumatol Int. 2004 Sep;24(5):297-300. doi: 10.1007/s00296-003-0391-3. Epub 2003 Sep 10.

Abstract

We present a rare case of retinoid-induced sclerotic changes of lumbar spine and femur demonstrated by dual energy x-ray absorptiometrie (DEXA). The patient had flowing ossification along thoracic spine resembling diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), but there was no ligament calcification in the lumbar spine or pelvis. After discontinuation of the treatment, gradual decline of bone mineral density at lumbar and femoral sites was detected with serial DEXA measurements. To the best of our knowledge, although various abnormalities of bone due to retinoids have been described before, reversible sclerotic changes have not been reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Acne Keloid / drug therapy
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Calcinosis / chemically induced
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / drug effects*
  • Femur / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperostosis / chemically induced*
  • Hyperostosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Hyperostosis / pathology*
  • Isotretinoin / administration & dosage
  • Isotretinoin / adverse effects*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / drug effects*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology*
  • Male
  • Osteosclerosis / chemically induced*
  • Osteosclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteosclerosis / pathology*
  • Remission Induction / methods
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / drug effects
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / pathology

Substances

  • Isotretinoin