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Paget’s disease

Definition

Paget's disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth, which results in deformity.

Alternative Names

Osteitis deformans

Causes

The cause of Paget's disease is unknown, although it might have to do with genes or a viral infection early in life.

The disease occurs worldwide, but is more common in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

In people with Paget's disease, there is an abnormal breakdown of bone tissue, followed by abnormal bone formation. The new bone is bigger, but weakened and filled with new blood vessels.

The disease may only be in one or two areas of the skeleton, or throughout the body. It often involves bones of the:

Arm
Collar
Leg
Pelvis
Spine

Symptoms

Bone pain (may be severe and persistent)
Bowing of the legs and other visible deformities
Enlarged head
Fracture
Headache
Hearing loss
Joint pain or stiffness
Neck pain
Reduced height
Skull deformities
Warmth of skin over the affected bone

Note: Most patients have no symptoms.

Exams and Tests

Tests that may indicate Paget's disease include:

Bone scan
Bone x-ray
Elevated markers of bone breakdown (for instance, N-telopeptide)
Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

Treatment

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional.

Support Groups

For additional support and resources, see the Paget Foundation.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Disease activity and symptoms can generally be controlled with current medications. A small percentage of patients may develop a cancer of the bone called osteosarcoma. Some patients will need joint replacement surgery.

Possible Complications

Bone fractures
Deafness
Deformities
Heart failure
Paraplegia
Spinal stenosis

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Paget's disease.

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Review Date: 3/19/2008
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Nancy J. Rennert, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/6/2007).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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