Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2002; 06(4): 307-312
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36729
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Idiopathic Hyperphosphatasia

Tim Cundy
  • Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 January 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Idiopathic hyperphosphatasia is a rare autosomal recessive bone disorder, characterized by excessive bone resorption and bone formation. The radiographic appearances include widening of the diaphyses, vertebral osteoporosis, acetabular protrusion, and thickening of the skull vault. There is considerable variability in phenotype, with some cases diagnosed in infancy and others in later childhood. Most cases appear to arise from inactivating mutations in the gene encoding osteoprotegerin, a product of osteoblasts that is critically involved in osteoclastogenesis. Treatment with inhibitors of bone resorption (calcitonin or bisphosphonates) is successful in ameliorating some aspects of the disorder.