Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Paget disease of bone (PBD) is a metabolic bone remodeling disorder that alters the architecture of multiple bones throughout the body. The disorder affects the axial skeleton at a higher rate and progresses in three phases: osteoclastic activity, osteoblastic activity, and late inactive phase activity. PBD is a slow progression of abnormal bone remodeling where an increase in bone turnover will replace normal lamellar bone with weaker woven bone. We present a case study of Paget’s disease with an enlarged skull. An enlarged skull structure can lead to headaches, hearing impairment due to cranial nerve deficits, ischemic stroke from decreased cerebral perfusion.
Methods: An 89-year-old female cadaver was dissected in the gross anatomy lab. Permissions were obtained from the body donation program to document and publish the findings for educational purposes. Measurements were obtained through digital calipers and documented through photographs.
Results:
Cerebrovascular disease was the predetermined cause of death for the subject. During dissection, the skull showed a thickening in frontal, temporal and parietal bones. Abnormal, raised bony prominences were observed within the orbit.
Discussion:
This case highlights the structural consequences of Paget's disease of bone on the cranial anatomy and the potential neurological complications that may arise from progressive skull thickening. Enlargement of cranial bones can contribute to compression of cranial nerves and compromise the cerebral and vascular circulation which increases the risk of neurological deficits such as subarachnoid hemorrhages. Recognition of these anatomical changes is important for the early identification and management of Paget's disease to reduce further likelihood of severe neurological outcomes.
Embargo Period
6-1-2026
Included in
From Remodeling to Risk: Cadaveric Evidence of Cranial Paget’s Disease of Bone & Neurovascular Implications
Suwanee, GA
Introduction: Paget disease of bone (PBD) is a metabolic bone remodeling disorder that alters the architecture of multiple bones throughout the body. The disorder affects the axial skeleton at a higher rate and progresses in three phases: osteoclastic activity, osteoblastic activity, and late inactive phase activity. PBD is a slow progression of abnormal bone remodeling where an increase in bone turnover will replace normal lamellar bone with weaker woven bone. We present a case study of Paget’s disease with an enlarged skull. An enlarged skull structure can lead to headaches, hearing impairment due to cranial nerve deficits, ischemic stroke from decreased cerebral perfusion.
Methods: An 89-year-old female cadaver was dissected in the gross anatomy lab. Permissions were obtained from the body donation program to document and publish the findings for educational purposes. Measurements were obtained through digital calipers and documented through photographs.
Results:
Cerebrovascular disease was the predetermined cause of death for the subject. During dissection, the skull showed a thickening in frontal, temporal and parietal bones. Abnormal, raised bony prominences were observed within the orbit.
Discussion:
This case highlights the structural consequences of Paget's disease of bone on the cranial anatomy and the potential neurological complications that may arise from progressive skull thickening. Enlargement of cranial bones can contribute to compression of cranial nerves and compromise the cerebral and vascular circulation which increases the risk of neurological deficits such as subarachnoid hemorrhages. Recognition of these anatomical changes is important for the early identification and management of Paget's disease to reduce further likelihood of severe neurological outcomes.
Comments
Awarded "Best Cadaver/BioMed Project" at PCOM Georgia Research Day 2026.