Generalized high bone mineral density on bone density scanning: a case of gastric carcinoma with bone metastasis

Generalized high bone mineral density (BMD) on Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning most commonly reflects metabolic bone disease. However, some malignancies could also stimulate the underlying processes. We reported that a 41-year-old female was referred for lumbago. She did not complain...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Postgraduate medicine 2017-03, Vol.129 (2), p.299-303
Main Authors: Fan, Pianpian, Wang, Qin, Lu, Chunyan, Chen, Decai
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorptiometry, Photon
Adult
Bone Density
Bone Neoplasms - diagnosis
Bone Neoplasms - secondary
Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell - pathology
Female
Humans
Lumbar Vertebrae
Stomach Neoplasms - pathology
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Summary:Generalized high bone mineral density (BMD) on Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning most commonly reflects metabolic bone disease. However, some malignancies could also stimulate the underlying processes. We reported that a 41-year-old female was referred for lumbago. She did not complain of any symptoms in the digestive system. DXA revealed high BMD in the lumbar vertebras. Marked increase in bone mass was observed in an X-ray of chest compared with one conducted 6 months previously. Additionally, an X-ray of the axial skeleton showed diffuse sclerotic change. Laboratory data revealed hypocalcemia and high osteoblastic activity. A bone biopsy of the pelvis confirmed metastatic undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. Further research for the primary site revealed gastric signet ring cell carcinoma via endoscopic biopsy. The patient refused treatment and died 2 months after the diagnosis. In clinical practice, high BMD could be the initial feature of gastric cancer. Due to its poor prognosis, adequate clinical management is of paramount value.
ISSN:0032-5481
1941-9260
DOI:10.1080/00325481.2017.1261607