Monostotic Scapular Caffey Disease: A Case Report With MRI Correlate

Cureus. 2024 Jan 2;16(1):e51533. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51533. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Caffey disease, also referred to as infantile cortical hyperostosis, is a self-limiting inflammatory disease of bone, typically diagnosed in infancy (ages less than five months). This disease is characterized by asymmetric, often polyostotic bony hyperostosis and expansion, with a predilection for the mandible (70-90%). We present a unique case of a two-month-old boy with monostotic scapular hyperostosis. The disease is primarily diagnosed on plain film and further evaluated with bone scintigraphy or skeletal survey to identify the extent of osseous involvement. Accompanying MR imaging is not usually obtained due to lack of specificity and diagnostic utility, and when pursued, can potentially confound the diagnosis. MR findings of this case are presented to re-iterate the benignity of this disease process and obviate the need for further invasive procedures.

Keywords: caffey disease; infantile cortical hyperostosis; osteomyelitis; periostitis; scapular hyperostosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports