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Osteopoikilosis masquerading as osseous metastases in breast cancer

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Abstract

Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is a rare, congenital bone disorder characterised by multiple round or ovoid radio densities appearing throughout the axial and appendicular skeleton. It is usually an asymptomatic condition diagnosed incidentally on radiological imaging, and may mimic other bone disorders, including osseous metastases. In this case report, we present a patient with lobular breast cancer whose computed tomography findings were thought to be consistent with osseous cancer metastases. Radionuclide bone scintigraphy plays a key role in distinguishing OPK from osteoblastic bone metastases. This case demonstrates the importance of a clinical awareness of OPK to ensure that patients with potentially curable disease are properly diagnosed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Breast Surgery, St James’s Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Adrian McArdle & Elizabeth M. Connolly

  2. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, St James’s Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Conor O’Riordan

Authors
  1. Adrian McArdle
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  2. Conor O’Riordan
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  3. Elizabeth M. Connolly
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Correspondence to Adrian McArdle.

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McArdle, A., O’Riordan, C. & Connolly, E.M. Osteopoikilosis masquerading as osseous metastases in breast cancer. Breast Cancer 21, 765–768 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-011-0300-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-011-0300-7

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