Sclerotic bone lesions caused by non-infectious and non-neoplastic diseases: a review of the imaging and clinicopathologic findings

Skeletal Radiol. 2021 May;50(5):847-869. doi: 10.1007/s00256-020-03644-0. Epub 2020 Oct 11.

Abstract

Bone sclerosis is a focal, multifocal, or diffuse increase in the density of the bone matrix on radiographs or computed tomography (CT) imaging. This radiological finding can be caused by a broad spectrum of diseases, such as congenital and developmental disorders, depositional disorders, and metabolic diseases. The differential diagnosis can be effectively narrowed by an astute radiologist in the light of the clinical picture and typical findings on imaging. Some of these lesions are rare and have been described as case reports and series in the literature. This article aims to collate the clinical-radiologic findings of non-infectious and non-neoplastic causes of bone sclerosis with relevant imaging illustrations.

Keywords: Bone sclerosis; Fluorosis; Gaucher’s disease; Pyknodysostosis; Renal osteodystrophy; Ribbing disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Sclerosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed