Radiological signs of bone loss in hyperthyroidism

Abstract

A radiograph of the left hand was obtained in 117 patients with Graves disease and 16 with toxic adenoma of the thyroid. In none of these cases radiological signs of thyroid acropachy were found. The Exton-Smith index of bone mass was calculated from the second metacarpal bone. On average the bone mass was not significantly reduced in either the male or the female hyperthyroid patients. However, there was a negative correlation between bone mass and duration of the disease, abnormal values being reached on average after 7·26 years in the males and 4·57 in the females. It is suggested that the hyperthyroid state leads to osteoporosis if it remains untreated for several years. Since most patients receive definite treatment at an earlier stage of the disease, the average bone mass of the whole group is not significantly reduced. This may explain some of the controversial findings previously reported.