Van Buchem's disease (hyperostosis corticalis generalisata)

Case contributed by Lauren Ramsay
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

The patient had a known diagnosis of Van Buchem Disease (hyperostosis corticalis generalisata). He presented to the neurosurgical unit with progressive ongoing sensorineural deafness due to marked narrowing of the IAMs

Patient Data

Age: adult
Gender: Male

Axial CT imaging at the level of the internal auditory meatus (IAM).  There is generalized sclerosis with skull vault thickening.  The IAMs were significantly narrowed by the disease process, and the patient was suffering progressive moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Case Discussion

Van Buchem disease is also known as hyperostosis corticalis generalisata. It is closely related to sclerosteosis.  Disorders of sclerostin production, an anti-anabolic protein produced by the osteocyte, is responsible in both diseases.

Radiologically, both diseases demonstrate generalized thickening and sclerosis of both skull tables, mandible, ribs and diaphyses of long bones. 

Cranial nerve palsies are common, as in our case of a patient with bilateral sensorineural deafness due to narrowing of the IAMs.

Syndactyly and increased height are seen in sclerosteosis and distinguish the diseases from each other. Both disorders are extremely rare.

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