Musculoskeletal manifestations of endocrine disorders.
OBJECTIVE
Much of our education about endocrine disorders focuses on their diagnosis and treatment. Although the musculoskeletal manifestations of endocrine disorders are well documented, they are often overlooked. This review will discuss new developments regarding those rheumatic manifestations.


RESULTS
Diabetic research is investigating connective tissue alterations in hand syndromes. A recent review elucidated the natural history of diabetic muscle infarction. Research has identified factors that stimulate osteoblast activity in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and bone loss in diabetics. Accumulating evidence documents thyroid disease coexisting with connective tissue disorders. Reports document cases of vasculitis occurring after propylthiouracil treatment. Finally, data clarifies the effects of thyroid dysfunction, hyperparathyroidism, acromegaly and hypercortisolism on bone.


CONCLUSIONS
Current research mainly relates to the effects of endocrine disorders on bone. As we advance our understanding of mechanisms that lead to rheumatic disorders in endocrine disease, we will improve our ability to treat them.
Jacobs-Kosmin
Dana
D
Division of Rheumatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
DeHoratius
Raphael J
RJ
D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000473:pathology; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007238:Infarction / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology