Inherited multicentric osteolysis with carpal-tarsal localisation mimicking juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Five patients with multicentric carpal-tarsal osteolysis are presented: a mother and her three children with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and one of the children with nephropathy, the fifth a sporadic case also with renal involvement. The main findings common to these five patients are symptoms and signs simulating arthritis of the wrists and/or ankles starting at a young age and mimicking juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Early signs of osteolysis and shortening of the carpus or tarsus are radiological characteristic. The disease may be associated with a peculiar face, but most importantly with nephropathy. The pathogenesis is still unknown. Conclusion: recognition of this disease and differentiation from juvenile idiopathic arthritis is important to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment. Follow-up of renal function is indicated.