hypervitaminosis A

• acute
  • ingestion of >1,000,000 IU --> increased intracranial pressure

• chronic
  • 1-3 years
  • pruritis
  • hard, tender masses in extremities
  • long latency between intake and sxs

xray findings:

• periostitis in diaphyses of ulnae and metatarsals
• symmetric
• can cause premature fusion of ossification centers

DDx: Caffey disease

• younger patients
• no elevation of vitamin A levels
• different distribution of lesions (i.e. mandible often affected)

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18