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Distal clavicle resorption

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Shortness of breath attending A and E. No other medical history indicated.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Bilateral smooth erosions of the distal ends of the clavicles, much more pronounced on the right, with a sizable gap at the acromioclavicular joint.

Lungs clear.

Annotated image

The distal erosion of the right clavicle (inside red circle).

Case Discussion

Various causes of bilateral distal clavicular erosions or resorption are described, perhaps the commonest being rheumatological conditions such as rhematoid arthritis and scleroderma.

It is also observed in hyperparathyrodism, cleidocranial dysostotis and trauma, albeit the later is usually unilateral.

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