A Case of Diffuse Leontiasis Ossea

This very uncommon case is probably one of leontiasis ossea of the diffuse variety. Ziegler1 calls it "partial gigantism," which "affects the bones of the cranial vault as well as those of the face. The overgrowth is sometimes uniform, at other times irregular.. .. Virchow has termed the condition leontiasis ossea." The aetiology of this disease is obscure. The enlargement of the bones must be either simple hypertrophy, new growth, or chronic osteitis. The appearance negatives either of the first two, and taking the last view, there is some difference of opinion as to the cause. The majority of cases recorded have had a history of injury, but without being sufficiently definite to be put forward as a certain cause; in some cases the malady seems to be quite clearly connected with the injury.