Idiopathic multicentric osteolysis: family report and review of the literature.

A mother and son affected by idiopathic multicentric osteolysis are reported. This condition usually manifests in early childhood and is characterized by progressive destruction of the carpal and tarsal bones, with or without renal anomalies. Unusual facies might be the clinical features of the syndrome. Review of the literature shows that osteolysis can occur in isolation or may be associated with renal and/or facial anomalies.