Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis with a unique imaging finding: multiple encephaloceles

Skeletal Radiol. 2017 May;46(5):701-704. doi: 10.1007/s00256-017-2595-8. Epub 2017 Feb 23.

Abstract

Osteopetrosis is a hereditary form of sclerosing bone dysplasia with various radiological and clinical presentations. The autosomal recessive type, also known as malignant osteopetrosis, is the most severe type, with the early onset of manifestations. A 5-month-old infant was admitted to our hospital with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Chest X-ray and skeletal survey revealed the classic findings of osteopetrosis, including diffuse osteosclerosis and bone within a bone appearance. At follow-up, the patient presented with, thickened calvarium, multiple prominent encephaloceles, and dural calcifications leading to the intracranial clinical manifestations with bilateral hearing and sight loss. Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis is one of the causes of encephaloceles and this finding may become dramatic if untreated.

Keywords: Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis; Encephaloceles; MRI; Volume rendering computed tomography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Encephalocele / complications*
  • Encephalocele / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Osteopetrosis / complications*
  • Osteopetrosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ribs / diagnostic imaging
  • Spine / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed