Bilateral subtrochanteric fractures in tumour-induced osteomalacia caused by a nasal haemangiopericytoma.

Abstract

Bilateral insufficiency fractures of the proximal femur often have a pathological basis. Diagnosis of rare causes of insufficiency fractures can be challenging. Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome of mesenchymal tumours which leads to hypophosphataemia and osteomalacia. Suspected pathological fractures should be investigated thoroughly including a fasting serum phosphate level. Further investigations should include serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) which is a peptide hormone secreted by mesenchymal tumours. Available imaging modalities include Octreotide scanning which detects somatostatin receptors commonly expressed on mesenchymal tumours. After localisation and resection of the tumour, a full recovery from TIO is achievable.