Myelofibrosis associated with prominent periosteal bone apposition. Report of two cases

Abstract

Myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative disorder that is characterized by splenomegaly and bone marrow replacement by fibrous tissue. The predominant radiographic feature is osteosclerosis; however, in rare instances, periosteal bone apposition or periostitis is apparent in the metaphysis of the distal femura and proximal tibiae. It has been suggested that periostitis, when associated with fever and bone pain, is indicative of more aggressive disease. We report this unusual radiographic finding and its similar appearance to hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in two patients with myelofibrosis. In our patients, the presence of periosteal bone apposition did not correlate with increased disease aggressiveness.