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The periosteal sunburst reaction to bone metastases

A literature review and report of 20 additional cases

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Abstract

The periosteal sunburst reaction is an unusual response to metastatic bone tumours. Fifty such cases are reported in the literature, and 20 additional cases are reported in this study. The most common primary tumour showing this response is prostatic carcinoma, and the majority of cases are associated with osteoblastic metastases. Twenty percent of sunburst metastases occur in bones distal to the elbow and knee, a much higher prevalence than is found overall in bone metastases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK

    Janet E. Husband M.D.

  2. Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London, UK

    Dennis J. Stoker M.D.

  3. Department of Radiology, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel

    Ronald A. Bloom M.D. & Eugene Libson M.D.

Authors
  1. Ronald A. Bloom M.D.
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  2. Eugene Libson M.D.
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  3. Janet E. Husband M.D.
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  4. Dennis J. Stoker M.D.
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Bloom, R.A., Libson, E., Husband, J.E. et al. The periosteal sunburst reaction to bone metastases. Skeletal Radiol 16, 629–634 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00357111

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00357111

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