A 4-month-old female newborn with fever lasting for one month, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly. Moreover the patient was blind and deaf.
A 4-month-old blind and deaf female newborn with fever, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly, was admitted to our department to performe a chest X-ray (Fig. 1). It showed a parenchymal consolidation in the right upper lobe indicating pneumonia. Moreover, we noticed the increase of bone density of all skeletal elements with the enlargement of anterior and posterior segments of all the ribs and loss of medullary space. These radiographic findings were suspicious for osteopetrosis. CT (Fig. 2) was performed but a bone biopsy (Fig. 3) was necessary to confirm diagnosis.
Osteopetrosis comprises a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of conditions characterised by increased bone density on radiographs due to abnormalities in osteoclast differentiation or function. The most important types of osteopetrosis are: a recessive inherited neonatal or infantile severe form, an intermediate recessive form, a tubular acidosis form and a dominantly inherited late onset relatively mild form. Autosomal recessive osteopetrosis is a very rare disease (1:200.000), but it is more frequently seen in ethnic groups where consanguinity is common. It is caused by a mutantion in the gene encoding the a3 subunit of H+ vacuolar ATPase expressed on osteoclasts (Cr 11q 12-13). Affected children usually present within the first year of life. The classical skeletal features of the disease are increased bone density, diffuse and focal sclerosis, modelling defects at metaphyses, pathological fractures and dental abnormalities. Other manifestations include visual impairment and other signs and symptoms caused by cranial nerve compression (II, VII and VIII), bone marrow failure with anaemia, hepatosplenomegaly for compensatory extramedullary haematopoiesis and recurrent infections. The diagnosis is clinical and largely depends on the radiographic appearance of the skeleton. A bone biopsy and a genetic test can be used to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate between different subtypes of osteopetrosis.
The treatment is based on corticosteroids, interferon gamma, calcitriol, parathyroid hormone and bone marrow transplantation.
Infantile type osteopetrosis
Based on the provided X-ray and CT images, the following main features can be observed:
These imaging findings of markedly increased bone density often suggest a sclerotic bone disease. Considering the patient’s hearing and vision impairments, along with hematological abnormalities, a congenital bone metabolic disorder should be strongly suspected.
Based on the patient’s history (persistent fever, anemia, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, vision and hearing impairments) and the imaging presentations (generalized increased bone density, thickened skull, spinal and long bone changes), the following potential diagnoses can be listed:
In summary, infantile malignant osteopetrosis (autosomal recessive osteopetrosis) most closely matches the clinical and radiological features.
Considering the patient’s age (4 months), clinical symptoms (anemia, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, visual and auditory impairment), and the radiological findings of diffuse increased bone density and pathological changes, the most likely diagnosis is:
Infantile Malignant Osteopetrosis (Autosomal Recessive Osteopetrosis).
For further confirmation, genetic testing can be performed to identify common mutations in the H+ pump vATPase a3 subunit (Chromosome 11q12-13), which is valuable for disease classification and genetic counseling.
1. Overview of Treatment Strategies
Currently, the main treatment approaches for infantile malignant osteopetrosis include:
2. Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription
Because patients with osteopetrosis have abnormal bone structure, increased bone fragility, and are at the infant stage, caution is required during exercise and rehabilitation. It is recommended to proceed under the guidance of a specialized medical team:
The rehabilitation plan emphasizes individualization and gradual progression, with continuous assessment of the patient’s skeletal condition and hematopoietic function. Exercise safety must be ensured, and any abnormal signs, pain, or discomfort should prompt immediate medical attention.
This report is a reference analysis based on the current available data and does not replace an in-person consultation or professional medical advice. If you have any questions or if the condition changes, please seek medical care or consult a professional physician promptly.
Infantile type osteopetrosis