Vara Deformity and Subluxed Humeral Heads: An Unusual Sign in Pseudohypoparathyroidism

Cureus. 2024 Jan 30;16(1):e53250. doi: 10.7759/cureus.53250. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder characterized by end-organ resistance to intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and concomitant laboratory findings of hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. Radiologic evidence of the disease may manifest as a variety of bone abnormalities. This case describes an 11-year-old female with a history of repaired bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis who presented with a limited range of motion of the bilateral upper extremities. Laboratory findings were consistent with pseudohypoparathyroidism. Radiographs revealed subchondral resorption of bilateral clavicular heads and multiple ribs and band lucencies of proximal humeral metaphyses, along with vara deformity and inferior subluxation of the humeral heads. This presentation adds to the spectrum of potential radiographic manifestations of pseudohypoparathyroidism.

Keywords: bone resorption; humeral head; parathyroid hormone (pth); pseudohypoparathyroidism; slipped capital femoral epiphysis; vara deformity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports