Generalized cortical hyperostosis (Van Buchem disease): nosologic considerations.

Six of 41 presumed cases of Van Buchem disease described in the literature fit uniform diagnostic criteria. Segregation analysis of these 6 cases, in addition to another the authors report, supports a recessive mode of inheritance. Genetic heterogeneity is confirmed by the demonstration of a dominantly-inherited phenotype resembling Van Buchem disease. The probable etiology is a defect in the endochrondral modulatory step regulating transformation of osteoclast to osteoblast.