Carpal and tarsal osteolysis: an MRI, angiographic and histopathologic study

Abstract

The case of a 13-year-old girl with striking carpal and tarsal osteolysis (sporadic occurrence) is reported. MRI confirmed the total absence of carpal bones and medial tarsal bones. Dense fibrocollagenous tissue replaced the spaces left by the resorbed bones. Arteriography showed occlusion of the radial artery at the level of the physis of the distal radius with increased tortuosity of the ulnar artery. There was no major vascular occlusion in the foot except for some indistinct and blurred tarsal branches of the anterior tibial artery.