Hepatitis C Associated Osteosclerosis, (HCAO)

 

Clinical features:

(1) history of chronic viral hepatitis C

(2) diffuse bone pain

 

Laboratory findings:

(1) increased serum osteocalcin and other markers of bone formation

(2) elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (bone specific)

(3) increased markers of bone resorption

(4) sclerotic lamellar bone on biopsy

(5) reduced serum calcium

 

Imaging studies:

(1) increased in cortical and lamellar bone

(2) elevated bone density