Post-Gastrectomy Osteomalacia Mimicking Rheumatologic Disorders: A Case Report

Abstract

Osteomalacia is one of the post-gastrectomy complications resulting from the impaired absorption of vitamin D and calcium.1 Vitamin D deficiency or osteomalacia can be diagnosed by clinical, biochemical and radiographic parameters, and bone biopsy. The radiologic findings of “Looser zones” or pseudofractures aid in the diagnosis. Severe generalized pain, mimicking rheumatologic disorders is one of the features that maybe a presenting complaint of osteomalacia. We report a case of osteomalacia as a consequence of gastric by-pass surgery.

Keywords

• osteomalacia
• post-gastrectomy
• malabsorption
• Looser zones