Paget’s disease – unusually high prevalence in the region of Koroška

Abstract

Abstract: Paget’s disease (PD) of bones is very common in the world, but uncommon in Slovenia. The cause of PD is still unknown, though 130 years ago the first description of the disease was published. Some genetic changes, viruses or toxic environmental influences, such as lead may play the role. In the region of Koroska (Carinthia) an unusually high prevalence of PD has been found. All patients live in the Upper Meziska Valley, which is known for its pollution with lead. Males are more affected, all patients have polyostotic form of PD with elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase, with a bone pain as their only complaint. Maybe lead from environment could be the reason for the high prevalence of PD in this region.

Keywords

• Paget’s disease
• osteitis deformans
• bone turnover
• polyostotic form
• serum alkaline phosphatase