title: [Radiology of the foot in chronic alcoholism].
abstract: The authors have reviewed the radiographic patterns of the foot in 28 patients affected by neuropathic joint disease complicating alcoholism, out of a series of 82 chronic alcoholic patients. Sixteen of them were also affected by diabetes mellitus. On the basis of X-ray findings, lesions were divided into three groups, reflecting the evolution of the disease: 1) early changes, especially affecting the soft tissues and joints; 2) definite lesions, consisting of fractures, osteolysis, bone destruction and amputation, periarticular debris; 3) "healing" signs, simulating degenerative joint disease, which cause severe and weakening deformities. Tabes dorsalis and diabetic osteoarthropathy must be differentiated from alcohol-induced syndrome. Even though a correct differential diagnosis is often difficult to reach, it must be kept in mind that focal/diffuse osteopenia is the most characteristic manifestation of alcoholic osteopathy, whereas different radiographic findings simulate chronic degenerative arthropathies.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Radiologia, Università Ferrara.
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Scutellari
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Orzincolo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lombardo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications*; D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013606:Tabes Dorsalis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
vernacular_title: La radiologia del piede nell'alcolismo cronico.