Cranial osteopetrosis: MR findings.

Osteopetrosis is an inherited bone disorder characterized by general skeletal sclerosis. The cortex and spongiosa are increased in thickness and density. and the bone marrow spaces are reduced in volume [1]. Histopathologically, excessive retention of chondroosseous tissue and failure of remodeling of bones are the result of retarded osteocytic osteolysis and osteocytic chondrolysis [2] . Signs and symptoms may be related to the osteosclerosis and may be manifested as cranial nerve abnormalities and vascular compromise caused by foraminal narrowing. Other manifestations include extramedullary hematopoiesis caused by decreased bone marrow volume and an increased frequency of fracture of long bones.