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Medical Author:

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Laboratory studies include both blood and urine studies. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase is a specific laboratory study that provides information on the rate of bone turnover, which is increased in people with Paget's disease. Other laboratory studies include assessment of calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels. In many cases, these levels remain normal. Urine tests include N-telopeptides and deoxypyridinoline, which measure bone degradation products secreted in the urine. These studies may be useful in both diagnosis and long-term monitoring of the disease progress and response to medical treatment.

Radiographic studies are often limited to plain radiographs (x-ray films). Early in the disease process, osteolysis, or softening and destruction of bone mass, is seen on x-ray films. Later in the course of the disease, there is increased bone mass, or sclerosis. Radiographs are also necessary if fracture is suspected. Radiographs should also be used to evaluate for possible malignant transformation.

Bone scans are useful in assessing the extent of disease throughout the entire skeleton.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be useful in the evaluation of patients with neurologic dysfunction or muscle weakness to assess for involvement of the spine and compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

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