title: Generalized high bone mineral density on bone density scanning: a case of gastric carcinoma with bone metastasis.
abstract: Generalized high bone mineral density (BMD) on Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning most commonly reflects metabolic bone disease. However, some malignancies could also stimulate the underlying processes. We reported that a 41-year-old female was referred for lumbago. She did not complain of any symptoms in the digestive system. DXA revealed high BMD in the lumbar vertebras. Marked increase in bone mass was observed in an X-ray of chest compared with one conducted 6 months previously. Additionally, an X-ray of the axial skeleton showed diffuse sclerotic change. Laboratory data revealed hypocalcemia and high osteoblastic activity. A bone biopsy of the pelvis confirmed metastatic undifferentiated adenocarcinoma. Further research for the primary site revealed gastric signet ring cell carcinoma via endoscopic biopsy. The patient refused treatment and died 2 months after the diagnosis. In clinical practice, high BMD could be the initial feature of gastric cancer. Due to its poor prognosis, adequate clinical management is of paramount value.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Endocrinology , West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan , PR China.
authors.forename: Pianpian
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.affiliation: a Department of Endocrinology , West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan , PR China.
authors.forename: Qin
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: a Department of Endocrinology , West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan , PR China.
authors.forename: Chunyan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.affiliation: a Department of Endocrinology , West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu , Sichuan , PR China.
authors.forename: Decai
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary*; D018279:Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: High BMD; bone metastasis; gastric carcinoma