Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy: a palindrome with a pathogenic connotation

Paraneoplastic Syndromes in Horses

This article discusses the reported paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs) in horses, including the possible pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and any treatment options. The more commonly reported PNSs in horses include cancer anorexia and cachexia, fever and increased acute phase protein concentrations, and hypercalcemia and monoclonal gammopathy. As these conditions can often be more commonly diagnosed in non-neoplastic conditions, the diagnosis of a PNS and the accompanying neoplasia can be challenging. As signs of a PNS may precede signs of the underlying neoplasia, it is important that the clinician be aware of the possible presence of a PNS.

A patient with pachydermoperiostosis harboring SLCO2A1 variants with a history of differentiating from acromegaly

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by digital clubbing, pachydermia, and periostosis. We describe a Japanese male patient with PDP who was differentially diagnosed with acromegaly by identification of compound heterozygous variants in SLCO2A1. Recent studies have reported various clinical manifestations, as well as skeletal and dermal features, in patients with PDP. Genetic testing provided not only PDP diagnosis and differentiation from acromegaly, but also information about possible complications and comorbidities throughout life.

A case of pachydermaperiostosis with myelofibrosis and treatment with ruxolitinib

Pachydermaperiostosis (PDP) is a rare condition of connective tissue presenting with abnormal skin and skeletal findings that usually occur as a complication of an underlying disease, especially malignancies. We described a case of a patient with severe transfusion-dependent anemia and both skin and joint findings, diagnosed as PDP. The haematological assessment revealed myelofibrosis as the underlying disease, and treatment with ruxolitinib as the first-line choice was given by skipping hydroxyurea due to pancytopenia. The patient got benefits in arthralgia and amelioration of pancytopenia and a reduced spleen volume was observed, despite the negative result for JAK2 gene mutation. This is the first case of ruxolitinib being used in PDP with myelofibrosis, and it highlights the importance of evaluating PDP as not just a skin and joint problem but a result of systemic disease and individual-based treatment.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is an orphan syndrome characterized by abnormal proliferation of the skin and osseous tissues at the distal parts of the extremities. The main clinical features are: a peculiar bulbous deformity of the tips of the digits conventionally described as "clubbing," periosteal proliferation of the tubular bones, and synovial effusions. In most instances, HOA develops a reaction to a severe internal illness, such as lung cancer, cyanotic heart disease, or liver cirrhosis. There is a subgroup of patients who do not have underlying pathology. Such cases are classified as having primary HOA. Digital clubbing is easy to recognize. Any patient with newly developed digital clubbing should undergo careful search for an underlying illness with special attention to intra-thoracic pathologies. Painful HOA is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Vascular endothelial growth factor and prostaglandin E2 have been proposed as key bone proliferating mediators.

Identification of the Mutations in the Prostaglandin Transporter Gene, SLCO2A1 and Clinical Characterization in Korean Patients with Pachydermoperiostosis

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP), or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, is a rare genetic disease affecting both skin and bones. Both autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance and recessive inheritance of PDP have been previously confirmed. Recently, hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) and solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2A1 (SLCO2A1) were reported as pathogenic genes responsible for PDP. Both genes are involved in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) degradation. We aimed to identify responsible genes for PDP and the clinical features in Korean patients with PDP. Six affected individuals and their available healthy family members from three unrelated Korean families with PDP were studied. All of the patients displayed complete phenotypes of PDP with finger clubbing, pachydermia, and periostosis. Mutation analysis revealed a novel heterozygous mutation in the SLCO2A1 gene at nucleotide 302 causing a substitution of the amino acid isoleucine to serine at codon 101 (p.IIe101Ser) in affected individuals. We also identified known SLCO2A1 mutations, one homozygous for c.940+1G>A, and another compound heterozygous for c.940+1G>A and c.1807C>T (p.Arg603*) from two PDP families. Genetic analyses of the PDP patients showed no abnormality in the HPGD gene. Our study further supports the role of mutations in the SLCO2A1 gene in the pathogenesis of PDP and could provide additional clues to the genotype-phenotype relations of PDP.

Voriconazole Enhances the Osteogenic Activity of Human Osteoblasts In Vitro through a Fluoride-Independent Mechanism

Periostitis, which is characterized by bony pain and diffuse periosteal ossification, has been increasingly reported with prolonged clinical use of voriconazole. While resolution of clinical symptoms following discontinuation of therapy suggests a causative role for voriconazole, the biological mechanisms contributing to voriconazole-induced periostitis are unknown. To elucidate potential mechanisms, we exposed human osteoblasts in vitro to voriconazole or fluconazole at 15 or 200 μg/ml (reflecting systemic or local administration, respectively), under nonosteogenic or osteogenic conditions, for 1, 3, or 7 days and evaluated the effects on cell proliferation (reflected by total cellular DNA) and osteogenic differentiation (reflected by alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium accumulation, and expression of genes involved in osteogenic differentiation). Release of free fluoride, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was also measured in cell supernatants of osteoblasts exposed to triazoles, with an ion-selective electrode (for free fluoride) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) (for VEGF and PDGF). Voriconazole but not fluconazole significantly enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. In contrast to clinical observations, no increases in free fluoride levels were detected following exposure to either voriconazole or fluconazole; however, significant increases in the expression of VEGF and PDGF by osteoblasts were observed following exposure to voriconazole. Our results demonstrate that voriconazole can induce osteoblast proliferation and enhance osteogenic activity in vitro. Importantly, and in contrast to the previously proposed mechanism of fluoride-stimulated osteogenesis, our findings suggest that voriconazole-induced periostitis may also occur through fluoride-independent mechanisms that enhance the expression of cytokines that can augment osteoblastic activity.

Coexistência de osteoartropatia hipertrófica e mielofibrose

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a condition characterized by arthralgia/arthritis, clubbing, and periosteal reaction. Primary form of HOA is observed at early ages of life and is hereditary in nature. Secondary HOA is more frequently seen in clinical setting and occurs as a result of various disorders including inflammatory and malignant diseases. Regression in HOA may be seen after the treatment of underlying condition. In this report, we presented a case of HOA coexisted with myelofibrosis and reviewed the current literature.

Lucky to meet RS3PE

We present a florid case of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema that was actually a paraneoplastic syndrome of an asymptomatic undiagnosed adenosquamous lung cell carcinoma. The arthritis led to a screening for lung cancer and an early enough diagnosis for a curative intervention.

Multifocal periostitis as a complication of chronic use of voriconazole in a lung transplant recipient

Fungal infections are common in solid organ transplantation. An increasing number of transplant recipients receive antifungal therapy for prolonged duration owing to invasive fungal infections. Herein, we describe a diagnosis of periostitis as a complication of chronic use of voriconazole in a lung transplant recipient. The patient was diagnosed with probable pulmonary aspergillosis and was treated with oral voriconazole for a total of 9 months. Evidence of multifocal periostitis was observed in the axial and appendicular skeleton. Early recognition of this phenomenon is important to prevent unnecessary tests and procedures. Prompt discontinuation of voriconazole should result in improvement of symptoms.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy: what a rheumatologist should know about this uncommon condition

This article presents an updated overview of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and digital clubbing for the practicing rheumatologist. Discussion includes a brief historical perspective, its definition, incidence and prevalence, classification, pathology and pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, demographics, findings on physical examination, imaging techniques for its detection, differential diagnosis, and treatment modalities.

[Bronchial carcinoma and knee pain. Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy]

Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA), also known as Marie-Bamberger syndrome, is a rare neoplastic syndrome featuring clubbing of the tips of the digits, periosteal proliferation and synovial effusion of adjacent joints. We report a case where a patient without any other known medical condition developed persistent arthralgia and mobility restriction after bruising the left knee. As the initial X-ray examination of the knee showed a distinct periosteal proliferation of the left femoral bone, extended diagnostics were initiated during which a bronchial carcinoma was identified. After surgical removal of the primary tumor the symptoms of irritation in the knee joint recovered totally.

Pain management in hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy: an illustrative case and review

Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a condition associated with lung cancer and many other diseases. Pain associated with HOA can be disabling, unremitting, and refractory to conventional analgesic medications. We present a challenging case of HOA in a patient with nonsmall cell lung cancer and review specific therapies for management of HOA-related pain.

Gastric juvenile polyposis with high-grade dysplasia in pachydermoperiostosis

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is the primary form of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. It is a very rare disease consisting of pachydermia, digital clubbing and radiologic periostosis. Various digestive symptoms in PDP are seen in 11-49% of patients and juvenile polyps may be found at gastric endoscopy. We report here the history of a patient with PDP who was referred for assessment of severe anemia. Endoscopy of the upper digestive tract showed multiple polyps of the stomach with two huge lesions exhibiting foci of high-grade dysplasia. This observation suggests that PDP can be considered as a precancerous condition of the stomach and systematic screening using endoscopy should be considered in these patients.

[Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and aortic graft infection: Two cases]

INTRODUCTION

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) located to lower extremities may be the initial manifestation of an infected aortic graft.

CASE REPORTS

We report two patients with HOA secondary to aortobifemoral vascular prosthesis infection and aortoenteric fistula. As reported in the literature, initial manifestations included fever, painful swelling of limbs, joint pain, clubbing and in one case intestinal bleeding. These symptoms preceded frank episodes of septicaemia due to a wide variety of bacteria (microbial enteric flora). Bone scan was an appropriate tool for confirming the diagnosis of HOA. Abdominal computed tomography, and PET-scan were useful for detecting vascular infection. Aortoenteric fistula remained difficult to identify.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HOA associated with infected graft are poorly understood, but vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could play a major role. The mortality of infected aortic grafts remains high, but knowledge of this association could lead to early diagnosis and accurate treatment.

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with a renal adenoma in a cat

Hypertrophic osteopathy is a hyperostotic syndrome of the appendicular skeleton that is most commonly associated with intrathoracic neoplasia or inflammation. The condition is rarely associated with intra-abdominal lesions. The majority of cases have occurred in dogs and human beings, with fewer cases reported in cats, horses, and other species. A 15-year-old male neutered Domestic Shorthair cat presented for swollen limbs and difficulty in ambulation. Radiographs and gross postmortem revealed severe periosteal hyperostosis of the diaphysis and metaphysis of all 4 limbs, including the humerus, radius, ulna, carpi, metacarpi, femur, tibia, tarsi, metatarsi, and phalanges. The axial skeleton was spared. Hyperostotic lesions were characterized microscopically by lamellar bony trabeculae separated by adipocytes and scant hematopoietic tissue. In several areas, fibrovascular connective tissue, woven bone, and islands of cartilage were also present. A 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm perirenal neoplasm compressed the left kidney and adrenal gland. This mass consisted of well-differentiated tubules of cuboidal epithelial cells and was most consistent with a renal tubular adenoma, because mitotic figures were rare, and no distant metastases were found. Thoracic pathology was absent. Hyperostosis was consistent with hypertrophic osteopathy secondary to the renal adenoma. The pathogenesis of hypertrophic osteopathy is uncertain, but predominant theories point to increased peripheral circulation and angiogenesis as a key initiating event. Recent literature highlights the potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor in the human condition. The mechanism by which this renal adenoma caused hypertrophic osteopathy is unknown.

Review of current therapies for secondary hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a disabling condition that may occur secondarily to primary lung cancer. It is characterized by digital clubbing, arthralgia/arthritis, and periostosis of the tubular bones. The pain associated with HOA can be disabling and often refractory to conventional analgesics. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature using the PubMed database on treatment modalities available for HOA. We found 52 relevant articles-40 case reports, six case series, two review papers, and four combined case series and review papers. There were no randomized controlled trials reported. We then classified treatments used for HOA into two categories: (1) treatment of primary cause (i.e., resection of tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, treatment of infection, etc.) and (2) symptomatic treatments (i.e., bisphosphonates, octreotide, NSAIDs, vagotomy, etc.). Subsequently, we summarized the main findings for each treatment. Although the clinical diagnosis of HOA has existed for over 100 years, the pathogenesis mechanism has not yet been elucidated, and treatment options for this condition remain experimental. Primary treatment is the most widely reported modality to be efficacious. In cases which primary therapy is not possible, several symptomatic treatment modalities are suggested, with various degree of success. Further research is needed to clarify the pathophysiological mechanism of HOA as to appropriately direct therapy.

[Primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (pachydermoperiostosis). Report of two familial cases and literature review]

The primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (pachydermoperiostosis) is a hereditary disease characterized by skin thickening (pachydermia), finger clubbing, and proliferation of periosteum (periostitis) with subperiosteal new bone formation. We describe the cases of two brothers of 30 and 24 years, who consulted due to bone pain, arthralgia and oligoarthritis. Pachydermia, hyperhidrosis, seborrhea, digital clubbing, periostosis and non-inflammatory effusions of the knees. The first had been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 15, while the youngest also presented with a thoracic scoliosis, hypertrophic gastritis, iron deficiency anemia and glucose intolerance by pancreatic endocrine dysfunction. In both patients, symptoms were controlled satisfactorily with etoricoxib (90mg/day) and risedronate (35mg/week).