What You Need To Know About the Symptoms of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis, also known as DISH, is an inherited bone disorder that is characterized by the buildup of calcium in the bones of the limbs. This excess calcium causes painful lumps and bumps to form in various parts of the body. The most common symptoms are pain and tenderness in the legs and arms along with deformation of joints. Other signs include abnormal tibial tree malformation, prominent ears, clubbing of fingers, and a high-arched palate. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms but instead, show abnormalities on X-ray scans or CT or MRI scans. According to research, DISH affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide. It mostly occurs among individuals whose parents have a history of this condition or who have had it themselves. There are no known environmental factors that cause this disorder either; however, a specific gene mutation is responsible for its occurrence. If you suspect that you may have DISH, see your doctor as soon as possible so that they can check for other diseases with similar signs and symptoms along with checking if there are any medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms at present instead.

What is Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis?

DISH is a condition that causes excessive accumulation of calcium in the bones of the limbs. It is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a genetic mutation. It affects mainly the bones of the lower limbs such as the tibia (shin bone), femur (thigh bone), fibula (calf bone), and wrists. The condition is often found in people who also have other genetic conditions such as Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia (SED), Marfan Syndrome, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, and Chondrodermatitis Diffuse. SED is an inherited disorder that causes the bones of the body to be abnormally thick. People with SED often have a large head and long arms and legs while they may also experience arachnodactyly, which is a condition of small or misshapen fingers. SED and chondrodermatitis diffuse often occur together as a condition called “chondro-dermatitis diffuse.”

Inherited Causes of DISH

There are two inherited causes of DISH. The first is called Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia and Osteoporosis (SED-10) and the second is Marfan Syndrome. SED is a genetic disease that causes thin bones. SED-10 is a genetic mutation that causes an abnormal shortening of the bone. It can also cause a thickening of the aorta and the heart valves, which are responsible for allowing blood to flow from the heart to every part of the body. SED also causes many other problems such as arthritis and heart disease. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes the body to become unusually tall, long bones to become abnormally long, and joints to become abnormally flexible. Individuals with DISH are also at an increased risk of heart disease.

Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia and Osteoporosis

Another inherited cause of DISH is known as Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia and Osteoporosis (SED-10). SED is a genetic disease that causes abnormally thick bones and is characterized by abnormal shortening of the bone. It can also cause a thickening of the aorta and the heart valves, which are responsible for allowing blood to flow from the heart to every part of the body. SED also causes many other problems such as arthritis and heart disease. People with SED-10 are at a higher risk of developing DISH than those without it. The gene mutation that causes SED-10 is found on the X chromosome, which means that men with the disorder have a 50/50 chance of passing it to their daughters.

Marfan Syndrome

Marfan Syndrome is another inherited cause of DISH. People with Marfan Syndrome often have long arms, legs, fingers, and toes. They may also have a high-arched palate, a deformed nose, heart and eye problems, and aortic aneurysms. Individuals with DISH are also at an increased risk of developing Marfan Syndrome. There are several gene mutations that are responsible for causing DISH and Marfan Syndrome. Most mutations are located on the long arm of chromosome 5. Individuals with Marfan Syndrome often have the gene mutation, but it does not cause symptoms.

Other Causes of DISH

Individuals who have a family history of DISH may also have a condition known as skeletal dysplasias, which are genetic disorders that cause abnormal bone growth. There are many types of skeletal dysplasias, and they often cause signs and symptoms that do not match the detailed description of DISH. Another disorder that may lead to signs and symptoms of DISH is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that can affect many different organs and tissues. SLE causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues, making the body more susceptible to infections and other serious diseases.

Diagnostic Tests for DISH

Many people with DISH have signs and symptoms that are visible on X-rays or CT (computed tomography) scans of the body. A bone scan is a type of nuclear medicine scan that checks bone density and can be used to detect any signs of bone abnormalities. An MRI scan is a type of scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to check for any signs of abnormal bone growth. A blood test is used to check electrolyte levels in the blood, which can be affected in DISH. In order to confirm a diagnosis of DISH, your doctor will ask you about any symptoms you have had, your family history, and if you have any medical conditions. They may also ask you to take a medical history and complete a physical examination. It is important, to be honest, and thorough when completing this medical history and physical examination form.

Treatments for DISH

If you have signs and symptoms of DISH, they will most likely go away or reduce in severity as you get older. However, it is important to be careful while walking or running as these activities can put a lot of pressure on your bones. In addition, be sure to wear supportive shoes or ankle supports while participating in sports. If you are diagnosed with DISH, you should follow a diet that is low in salt and sugar. You should also avoid calcium-rich foods such as milk, yoghurt, cheese, and milk products. Vitamin D supplements may be needed in some cases. You may also want to consider a medication that prevents excess calcium from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Prognosis for DISH

There is no way to predict how long DISH will last. People with this condition can expect to have a normal life span and to experience normal growth and development. If you have signs and symptoms of DISH, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. If you are able to keep your bones strong and healthy by following these instructions, they should prevent the development of structural damage. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis usually shows up in adults. Although there is no treatment for DISH, your doctor may be able to recommend some lifestyle changes that can help prevent the development of this condition.

Conclusion

DISH is a rare disorder that occurs when calcium builds up in the bones of the limbs. It is an inherited condition that is passed down through families. DISH usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 60 years old. It is usually only seen in men, however, a small number of women have been reported as well. There is no cure for DISH, but medication can prevent the bone from becoming too weak and may help reduce the pain associated with the disorder.

More info on: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

Categorized in: