The anatomical distribution of radiological abnormalities in Kashin-Beck disease in Tibet

A radiological study of osteoarticular changes in Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) was undertaken on the appendicular skeleton in 105 patients with KBD, in 3 1 healthy subjects living in an endemic area and in 30 healthy subjects liv ing in a non-endemic area. The bone age was delayed in all three population s with no significant difference between the three studied Tibetan populati ons. Radiological changes occur in 56% of patients with KBD, and are usuall y bilateral. An analysis of the distribution of lesions shows a proximo-dis tal gradient. The changes are more common in the distal aspect of the limb and the lower limb is involved more commonly than the upper limb. The foot and ankle are involved in 89.5% of cases. The radiological changes and thei r distribution might be explained by the hypothesis of inhibition of angiog enesis by mycotoxins, exacerbated by chemical and physical environmental fa ctors.