Osteoporosis in men: a case report

Abstract

Osteoporosis in men is frequently not considered, underdiagnosed and often undertreated. In contrast with osteoporosis occurring in women, the genesis is frequently secondary (30-60%) with a complex diagnostic approach. A careful anamnesis and physical examination associated with laboratory and instrumental evaluation are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. The clinical case presented concerns a 70-year-old man with negative family history for osteoporosis and a personal history of depression, HBV carrier, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a heavy ex-smoker with history of alcoholism. The comprehensive geriatric evaluation allowed us to diagnose a multifactorially secondary osteoporosis associated to osteomalacia probably generated by the combination of alcohol abuse with consequent severe malnutrition, heavy smoking and COPD, physical inactivity and rapid weight loss.