Osteoporosis: an unusual presentation of childhood Crohn's disease.
Osteoporosis is known to be associated with Crohn's disease. We report a 12-yr-old boy without a history of steroid use, in whom severe osteoporosis and multiple collapsed vertebrae were the presenting manifestations of Crohn's disease. After treatment of the Crohn's disease, he resumed normal growth and progressed through puberty. Concomitantly, he demonstrated a substantial recovery of vertebral bone mineral density and structure. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the osteoporosis and the subsequent improvement in bone density are discussed.
Thearle
M
M
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Horlick
M
M
Bilezikian
J P
JP
Levy
J
J
Gertner
J M
JM
Levine
L S
LS
Harbison
M
M
Berdon
W
W
Oberfield
S E
SE
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007585:Jews; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D000077268:Pamidronate; D011859:Radiography; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D000077268:Pamidronate; D008775:Methylprednisolone