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Osteogenesis imperfecta in Adult
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Osteogenesis imperfecta in Adult

Contributors: Craig N. Burkhart MD, Dean Morrell MD, Lowell A. Goldsmith MD, MPH
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Osteogenesis imperfecta refers to a heterogeneous group of inherited qualitative or quantitative defects in collagen type I synthesis, resulting in osteoporosis and frequent fractures. There are at least 8 recognized forms representing a range of severity. Type I is the mildest form and type II is the most severe.

The disorder occurs worldwide but has been reported to have a higher incidence in 2 tribes in Zimbabwe. Most cases are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, although spontaneous mutations occur.

Depending upon the type, patients present with fractures in utero or childhood, easy bruising, joint laxity, early onset of deafness, blue sclera, brittle teeth, scoliosis, long limb deformity, and short stature. Depending upon the type, other findings include hernia, mitral valve prolapse, arterial fragility, pulmonary hypertension, and fragile skin. Complications include orthopedic problems, cerebral hemorrhage due to birth trauma, and basilar or cord compression. Many may die of respiratory infections.

Life expectancy depends upon type. Types I and IV have a slight decrease, while most patients with Type II die in the first year. Type III patients have a reduced life expectancy due to skull fractures and respiratory infection but have a reasonable prognosis if surviving beyond age 10.

Codes

ICD10CM:
Q78.0 – Osteogenesis imperfecta

SNOMEDCT:
78314001 – Osteogenesis imperfecta

Look For

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

  • Child abuse – Type IV is most likely to be confused with child abuse. Differentiating signs include types of fractures, serial x-rays to show healing, associated nonskeletal abnormalities such as retinal hemorrhage, signs of intracranial bleeding, splenic trauma, and visceral intramural hematomas. Note: Osteogenesis imperfecta and child abuse may coexist.
  • Camptomelic dysplasia – A congenital short-limb skeletal dysplasia characterized by prenatal bowing of the lower limbs.
  • Achondrogenesis type I – Extremely short limbs, craniofacial abnormalities.
  • Congenital hypophosphatasia – Due to absence of alkaline phosphatase in the serum resulting in a diffuse lack of calcium deposition in the bones. Vomiting, failure to gain weight, and enlargement of the epiphyses like that seen in rickets usually occur. Bony deformities and dwarfism are present.
  • Steroid-induced osteoporosis
  • Copper deficiency / Menkes syndrome – Kinky hair with pili torti and x-ray changes in long bones.

Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Updated:04/11/2022
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Osteogenesis imperfecta in Adult
Clinical image of Osteogenesis imperfecta - imageId=2359360. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Bluish color of the sclera.'
Bluish color of the sclera.
Copyright © 2023 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.