A 70-year-old male having advanced prostate cancer presenting with hypercalcemia and diffuse osteoblastic bone metastases: a case report

Abstract

Background

Bony metastases were occasionally the initial presentations of malignancy. Overlooking of bony changes on radiographs in cancer patients with non-specific clinical symptoms may lead to delayed diagnosis.

Case presentation

We presented a 70-year-old male having hypercalcemia and diffuse osteoblastic bone metastases on routine plain films. Finally, prostate cancer was diagnosed with a prostate needle biopsy.

Conclusion

Although the modern radionuclide bone scanning is useful in diagnosis, osteoblastic bone changes are occasionally seen in plain films, which are frequently overlooked. To avoid delayed diagnosis, bony structures should be carefully examined in all plain-film radiographs.

Background

Bone metastases of malignant neoplasm are common, especially in breast, lung and prostate cancer. Bone metastases of prostate cancer are usually osteoblastic which might be related to osteoblasts [1]. The recognition of bony changes in patients with prostate cancer may help in initially diagnosis, making treatment strategy and prognosis evaluation [2].

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man presented with poor appetite and general malaise of two month's duration. Physical examination revealed mildly distended abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds. Hemogram showed high white blood cell count (22070/μl) with 91.5% segment form and low hemoglobin level (7.0 g/dl). Biochemical examination showed elevated serum calcium level (2.7 mmole/l). Urinary analysis showed hematuria (numerous red blood cells per high power field in sediment examination). The serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 100 ng/ml. A chest radiograph (figure 1) showed diffuse osteoblastic bone lesions. In addition to dilated bowel loops with feces, an abdominal radiograph (figure 2) showed multiple patchy osteoblastic changes of bones. A malignant disease with multiple osteoblastic bone metastases was highly suspected. Finally, prostate cancer was diagnosed with a prostate needle biopsy. He received bilateral orchiectomy and hormone therapy for stage IV disease. Unfortunately, he passed away 1 month later because of urosepsis.

Figure 1

Chest radiograph showing osteoblastic changes of spine, scapulae, clavicles and ribs (arrow: right 4th rib with more conspicuous change).

Figure 2

Abdominal radiograph showing osteoblastic changes of spine, pelvic and femoral bones (arrows).

Discussion

Prostate cancer frequently metastasised to vertebrae and pelvis, where it produced predominantly osteoblastic lesions and local bone formation, and adversely affected quality of life and mortality [2]. In these patients, curative therapy was impossible and palliative treatment became the only option. Besides, bone metastatic prostate cancer could lead to disturbances of calcium metabolism and the presence of hypercalcemia was significantly associated with poor prognosis [3]. To date no definite benefit of bone targeted therapy was evidenced, and further investigation was needed [4].

Currently, conventional technetium-99m methylene diophosphate (Tc-99m MDP) bone scan and positron emission tomography with 18F-2-deoxyglucose (FDG-PET) were popular in the detection of malignant bone metastases [5]. In addition, whole body magnetic resonance imaging using diffusion-weighted images was shown to be an alternative to detect bone metastasis [6]. However, osteolytic or osteoblastic bone metastases were occasionally seen in routine plain-film radiographs. Identification of bony changes in plain film may contribute to the initial diagnosis of metastatic cancer

Conclusion

Although the modern radionuclide bone scanning is useful in diagnosis, osteoblastic bone changes are occasionally seen in plain films, which are frequently overlooked. To avoid delayed diagnosis, bony structures should be carefully examined in all plain-film radiographs.

Consent

A fully informed written consent was obtained form the patient family for the publication of this case and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.