What is the most likely diagnosis for a 70-year-old male with right hip and thigh pain, radiographic evidence of sclerotic and thickened cortical bone, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, and a bone biopsy showing a mosaic pattern of lamellar bone?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 25, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Osteopetrosis is unlikely given the patient's age and the presence of a mosaic pattern of lamellar bone. The most likely diagnosis is Paget's disease of bone, which is characterized by an abnormal breakdown and regrowth of bone tissue, resulting in deformity and potential neurological complications. The elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level, sclerotic and thickened cortical bone, and the microscopic appearance of a mosaic pattern of lamellar bone are all consistent with this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Osteoarthritis: The narrowed joint space near the acetabulum could be indicative of osteoarthritis, which is a common condition in older adults. However, the sclerotic and thickened cortical bone, as well as the elevated alkaline phosphatase level, are not typical of osteoarthritis.
    • Bone metastasis: The patient's age and the presence of hip and thigh pain could suggest bone metastasis, but the radiographic and microscopic findings are not typical of this condition.
  • Do Not Miss
    • Osteosarcoma: Although rare, osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that can present with similar radiographic findings, including sclerotic and thickened cortical bone. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially life-threatening condition.
    • Multiple myeloma: This condition can also present with bone pain and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, although the radiographic findings are typically more lytic than sclerotic.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Fibrous dysplasia: This condition can cause bone pain and deformity, but the radiographic and microscopic findings are not typical of fibrous dysplasia.
    • Chronic osteomyelitis: This condition can cause bone pain and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, but the radiographic findings are typically more destructive than sclerotic.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.