Diffuse osteosclerosis as a presentation of recurrent breast cancer: role of endothelin 1. Osteoporos Int 2019 Aug;30(8):1699-1703
Date
05/13/2019Pubmed ID
31079185DOI
10.1007/s00198-019-04998-5Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85065707987 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 3 CitationsAbstract
UNLABELLED: We report a 46-yr-old woman with a history of breast cancer who presented with diffuse myalgias, bone pain, and osteosclerosis. She was found to have recurrent breast cancer producing endothelin-1.
INTRODUCTION: Acquired osteosclerosis can be caused by various disorders. Endothelin -1 is believed to contribute to osteosclerosis caused by breast cancer.
METHODS: Although the bone marrow biopsy did not reveal breast cancer, she developed skin lesions consistent with metastatic breast cancer. She ultimately died from progressive disease. At autopsy immunohistochemistry for endothelin-1 was performed on a section from the L5 vertebral body.
RESULTS: The section from the L5 vertebral body showed small foci of cells consistent with metastatic carcinoma and a prominent sclerotic response. Immunohistochemistry for endothelin-1 was strongly positive.
CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent breast cancer may present with diffuse osteosclerosis. Endothelin-1 may be a paracrine factor responsible for increased bone formation and osteosclerosis.
Author List
Zarnecki KG, Kristianto J, Charlson J, Wilson B, Blank RD, Shaker JLAuthors
John A. Charlson MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinJoseph L. Shaker MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdenocarcinomaBone Neoplasms
Breast Neoplasms
Endothelin-1
Fatal Outcome
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Osteosclerosis
Radiography
Skin Neoplasms
