Sclerosteosis

Mendelian MONDO:0017838 Pathograph 20 Show in embeddings browser Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias

Sclerosteosis is an autosomal recessive progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia caused by loss-of-function mutations in the SOST gene, which encodes sclerostin, a secreted Wnt signaling antagonist. This entry focuses on SOST-related sclerosteosis within the broader SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia spectrum. Loss of sclerostin leads to unopposed Wnt-mediated osteoblast activation and massive progressive bone formation throughout life. The condition is characterized by generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis of the skull, mandible, ribs, clavicles, and long bones, leading to cranial nerve compression and potentially lethal intracranial-pressure complications. Hand malformations (syndactyly) and tall stature distinguish sclerosteosis from the related SOST-regulatory deletion disorder van Buchem disease. LRP4-related sclerosteosis-like disease is a separate genetic boundary condition affecting sclerostin signaling rather than SOST itself. The majority of affected individuals have been reported in the South African Afrikaner population due to a founder effect. Discovery of SOST led to development of anti-sclerostin antibodies (romosozumab) for osteoporosis.

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1
Inheritance
4
Pathophys.
10
Phenotypes
20
Pathograph
2
Genes
7
Medical Actions
3
Subtypes
1
References
🏷

Classifications

ISDS Skeletal Nosology
osteosclerotic disorders
👪

Inheritance

1
Autosomal Recessive
Autosomal recessive inheritance. High incidence in the South African Afrikaner population due to a founder effect. Two nonsense mutations and one splice site mutation identified.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"Sclerosteosis is a progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance"
Confirms autosomal recessive inheritance of sclerosteosis.
◆

Subtypes

3
Van Buchem Disease MONDO:0009395
SOST hgnc:13771 HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (hgnc) Relation: this subtype is caused by variation in this gene This subtype is caused by variation in SOST (hgnc:13771). hgnc:13771 is a gene from the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee.
SOST-related endosteal hyperostosis, van Buchem type, is caused by a biallelic 52-kb regulatory deletion downstream of SOST. It is generally milder than SOST-related sclerosteosis, lacks syndactyly or other digit deformities, and has apparently normal life span. The SOST binding above records the affected locus, not a coding variant: the lesion is the downstream enhancer deletion rather than a SOST coding allele. MONDO's primary label for this concept is "hyperostosis corticalis generalisata" (MONDO:0009395), whose definition names van Buchem disease as the alternate name; it is bound here because this entry follows the GeneReviews grouping of the two SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasias, not to assert a MONDO subclass edge under sclerosteosis. Van Buchem disease also has its own full dismech entry, Van_Buchem_Disease.yaml, which is anchored at this same MONDO term as its `disease_term` and carries the enhancer (ECR5) mechanism in depth. The duplication is deliberate and follows the existing convention for a subtype row that is also a standalone entry - SOX10 Neurocristopathy Spectrum binds MONDO:0012198 for its PCWH row while PCWH_syndrome.yaml is anchored at the same term - so this row is a pointer into that entry, not a competing account of the disease.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT REVIEW SYNTHESIS Other
"a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST (in individuals with van Buchem disease)"
GeneReviews states the molecular lesion distinguishing van Buchem disease from SOST-coding-variant sclerosteosis.
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT REVIEW SYNTHESIS Other
"Individuals with van Buchem disease do not have syndactyly or other digit deformities. Life span appears not to be altered."
Sources the milder-phenotype contrast asserted in this subtype's description.
⚙

Pathophysiology

4
Loss of Sclerostin (SOST Loss-of-Function)
SOST encodes sclerostin, a secreted glycoprotein with a cysteine-knot motif that functions as an antagonist of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway by binding to LRP5/LRP6 coreceptors on osteoblasts. Loss-of-function mutations abolish sclerostin production, removing the physiological brake on bone formation.
SOST hgnc:13771 HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (hgnc) Relation: this pathophysiological event involves this gene This pathophysiological event involves SOST (hgnc:13771). hgnc:13771 is a gene from the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee.
Genetic context SOST hgnc:13771 HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (hgnc) Relation: this genetic context concerns this gene This genetic context concerns SOST (hgnc:13771). hgnc:13771 is a gene from the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee. variant_origin: GERMLINE zygosity: HOMOZYGOUS functional_impact_category: LOSS_OF_FUNCTION
Biallelic SOST loss-of-function variants (two nonsense and one splice-site variant in the original sclerosteosis cohorts) abolish sclerostin production. Van Buchem disease is caused instead by a biallelic 52-kb regulatory deletion downstream of SOST, which is why it is modeled as a separate subtype of this entry rather than as another SOST coding allele.
Show evidence (3 references)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"the three disease-causing mutations lead to loss of function of the SOST protein resulting in the formation of massive amounts of normal bone throughout life, the physiological role of SOST is most likely the suppression of bone formation"
Establishes that SOST loss causes massive bone formation and that sclerostin normally suppresses bone formation.
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"This new gene encodes a protein with a signal peptide for secretion and a cysteine-knot motif"
Characterizes sclerostin as a secreted cysteine-knot protein.
PMID:11179006 SUPPORT
"The SOST gene encodes a protein that shares similarity with a class of cystine knot-containing factors including dan, cerberus, gremlin, prdc, and caronte"
Places sclerostin in the DAN family of BMP/Wnt antagonists.
Unopposed Wnt/Beta-Catenin Osteoblast Activation
Loss of sclerostin removes the physiological brake on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in osteoblasts, leading to continuous, unopposed osteoblast activity and massive accumulation of structurally normal bone throughout life. SOST is an important therapeutic target for osteoporosis (anti-sclerostin antibody romosozumab).
Osteoblast CL:0000062 Cell Ontology (CL) Relation: this pathophysiological event involves this cell type This pathophysiological event involves Osteoblast (CL:0000062). CL:0000062 is a cell type from the Cell Ontology.
SOST hgnc:13771 HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (hgnc) Relation: this pathophysiological event involves this gene This pathophysiological event involves SOST (hgnc:13771). hgnc:13771 is a gene from the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee.
Wnt Signaling Pathway GO:0016055 Gene Ontology (GO) Relation: this pathophysiological event involves this biological process This pathophysiological event involves Wnt Signaling Pathway (GO:0016055). GO:0016055 is a biological process from the Gene Ontology. Ossification GO:0001503 Gene Ontology (GO) Relation: this pathophysiological event involves this biological process This pathophysiological event involves Ossification (GO:0001503). GO:0001503 is a biological process from the Gene Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:11179006 SUPPORT
"the SOST gene encodes an important new regulator of bone homeostasis"
Confirms SOST as a key regulator of bone metabolism.
Impaired Sclerostin Action at LRP4
In the LRP4-related form (sclerosteosis 2), sclerostin is produced but cannot act. Bone-overgrowth-associated LRP4 variants impair the receptor's interaction with sclerostin and its sclerostin-facilitator function, so Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in osteoblasts escapes sclerostin restraint by a different route than in SOST loss. Because sclerostin is still made but not retained or presented in bone, circulating sclerostin is raised rather than absent, which is the biochemical feature that distinguishes this form from SOST-related sclerosteosis.
Osteoblast CL:0000062 Cell Ontology (CL) Relation: this pathophysiological event involves this cell type This pathophysiological event involves Osteoblast (CL:0000062). CL:0000062 is a cell type from the Cell Ontology.
LRP4 hgnc:6696 HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (hgnc) Relation: this pathophysiological event involves this gene This pathophysiological event involves LRP4 (hgnc:6696). hgnc:6696 is a gene from the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:21471202 SUPPORT In Vitro
"We found that these mutations impair LRP4 interaction with sclerostin and its concomitant sclerostin facilitator effect."
Establishes the molecular defect this node models: loss of the LRP4-sclerostin interaction rather than loss of sclerostin itself.
PMID:26751728 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"We demonstrate that impaired sclerostin binding to the mutated LRP4 protein leads to dramatic increase in circulating sclerostin in this patient."
Sources the raised-circulating-sclerostin contrast asserted in this node's description, in a patient rather than in vitro.
Progressive Cranial Hyperostosis and Nerve Compression
Massive bone accumulation preferentially affects the skull and mandible, progressively narrowing cranial nerve foramina. This causes facial nerve palsy, hearing loss, and optic atrophy.
Bone Development GO:0060348 Gene Ontology (GO) Relation: this pathophysiological event involves this biological process This pathophysiological event involves Bone Development (GO:0060348). GO:0060348 is a biological process from the Gene Ontology.
Cranium UBERON:0003128 Uberon multi-species anatomy ontology (UBERON) Relation: this pathophysiological event occurs in this anatomical location This pathophysiological event occurs in Cranium (UBERON:0003128). UBERON:0003128 is an anatomical location from the Uberon multi-species anatomy ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur"
Cranial nerve foramen narrowing from progressive bone overgrowth causes neurological complications.
⬡

Pathograph

Use the checkboxes to hide or show graph categories. Hover nodes for evidence and cross-linked metadata.
Pathograph: causal mechanism network for Sclerosteosis Interactive directed graph showing how pathophysiology mechanisms, phenotypes, genetic factors and variants, experimental models, environmental triggers, and treatments relate through causal and linked edges.
●

Phenotypes

10
Ear 1
Hearing Impairment HP:0000365 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Hearing impairment (HP:0000365). HP:0000365 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur."
Directly supports hearing loss caused by cranial nerve foraminal narrowing.
Context-specific annotations (1)
Onset: CHILDHOOD
Childhood onset was reported in the South African natural history cohort.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:12694228 SUPPORT
"Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
Supports childhood onset of deafness/hearing impairment due to cranial nerve entrapment.
Eye 1
Optic Atrophy HP:0000648 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Optic atrophy (HP:0000648). HP:0000648 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur."
Supports compressive optic neuropathy manifesting as optic atrophy.
Head and Neck 3
Cranial Hyperostosis HP:0004437 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Cranial hyperostosis (HP:0004437). HP:0004437 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"Radiologically, it is characterized by a generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis leading to a markedly thickened and sclerotic skull"
Supports cranial hyperostosis as a hallmark radiographic phenotype.
Mandibular Prognathia FREQUENT HP:0000303 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Mandibular prognathia (HP:0000303). HP:0000303 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:12694228 SUPPORT
"Mandibular overgrowth was present in 46 (73%) adults"
The natural history abstract reports mandibular overgrowth in 73% of affected adults, which falls in the FREQUENT band.
PMID:11570544 SUPPORT
"Gross asymmetrical hypertrophy of the mandible was present in all eight patients"
Dedicated oral evaluation confirms severe mandibular enlargement as a consistent orofacial manifestation.
Facial Palsy Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis HP:0007285 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis (HP:0007285). HP:0007285 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy"
Directly supports facial palsy as a consequence of skull-base hyperostosis.
PMID:223247 SUPPORT
"Early presenting features are syndactyly and facial palsy"
Shows that facial palsy is an early recognized clinical manifestation.
Context-specific annotations (1)
Onset: CHILDHOOD
Childhood onset was reported in the South African natural history cohort.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:12694228 SUPPORT
"Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
Supports childhood onset of facial palsy due to cranial nerve entrapment.
Integument 1
Nail Dysplasia HP:0002164 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Nail dysplasia (HP:0002164). HP:0002164 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:11385236 SUPPORT
"In many cases this syndactyly is associated with nail dysplasia"
Supports nail dysplasia as a recurring hand phenotype associated with sclerosteosis syndactyly.
Limbs 1
Finger Syndactyly FREQUENT HP:0006101 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Finger syndactyly (HP:0006101). HP:0006101 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (4 references)
PMID:223247 SUPPORT
"Early presenting features are syndactyly and facial palsy"
Establishes syndactyly as an early presenting manifestation.
PMID:12694228 SUPPORT
"Mandibular overgrowth was present in 46 (73%) adults and syndactyly in 48 (76%)."
Syndactyly occurred in 48 of 63 affected individuals (76%), which falls in the FREQUENT band.
PMID:11385236 SUPPORT
"Besides generalized bone changes the presence of asymmetric cutaneous syndactyly of the index and middle fingers is characteristic."
Specifies the characteristic morphology as asymmetric index-middle finger cutaneous syndactyly.
+ 1 more reference
Musculoskeletal 1
Generalized Osteosclerosis HP:0005789 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Generalized osteosclerosis (HP:0005789). HP:0005789 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"with mandible, ribs, clavicles and all long bones also being affected"
Shows that the diffuse sclerosing process involves the axial and appendicular skeleton beyond the skull.
PMID:7891385 SUPPORT
"the typical radiological features, including generalised bone sclerosis and cortical widening of the tubular bones"
Independent case report corroborates generalized bone sclerosis with long-bone cortical widening.
Nervous System 1
Increased Intracranial Pressure HP:0002516 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Increased intracranial pressure (HP:0002516). HP:0002516 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:12694228 SUPPORT
"24 from complications related to elevation of intracranial pressure as a result of calvarial overgrowth."
The natural history cohort links calvarial overgrowth directly to elevated intracranial pressure.
PMID:8433139 SUPPORT
"Sclerosteosis is a craniotubular bone modeling disorder and presents with cranial nerve palsies and raised intracranial pressure"
Neurosurgical series independently confirms raised intracranial pressure as a presenting manifestation.
Growth 1
Tall Stature HP:0000098 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this clinical feature is this phenotype This clinical feature is Tall stature (HP:0000098). HP:0000098 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"Sclerosteosis is clinically and radiologically very similar to van Buchem disease, mainly differentiated by hand malformations and a large stature in sclerosteosis patients."
Supports tall stature as a distinguishing phenotype of sclerosteosis.
🧬

Genetic Associations

2
SOST Mutations (Causative)
Gene: SOST hgnc:13771 gene page HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (hgnc) Relation: this disease-associated gene is this gene This disease-associated gene is SOST (hgnc:13771). hgnc:13771 is a gene from the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee. relationship_type: CAUSATIVE variant_origin: GERMLINE
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT
"Two nonsense mutations and one splice site mutation were identified in sclerosteosis patients"
Identifies the three types of SOST mutations in sclerosteosis.
PMID:11179006 SUPPORT
"Affected Afrikaners carry a nonsense mutation near the amino terminus of the encoded protein, whereas an unrelated affected person of Senegalese origin carries a splicing mutation within the single intron of the gene"
Details the specific mutations in Afrikaner and Senegalese patients.
💊

Medical Actions

7
Cranial Decompression and Intracranial Pressure Management
Action: surgical procedureNCI Thesaurus (NCIT) Relation: this treatment is this clinical intervention This treatment is surgical procedure (NCIT:C15329), qualified as located in cranium. NCIT:C15329 is a clinical intervention from the NCI Thesaurus. Ontology label: Surgical Procedure NCIT:C15329
Located in: craniumUberon multi-species anatomy ontology (UBERON) Relation: this treatment is delivered to this anatomical location This treatment is delivered to cranium (UBERON:0003128). UBERON:0003128 is an anatomical location from the Uberon multi-species anatomy ontology. UBERON:0003128
Platform: Surgery
Cranial hyperostosis requires close monitoring for raised intracranial pressure, brainstem-herniation risk, facial nerve entrapment, hearing loss, optic neuropathy, and regrowth after surgery. Management may include decompressive craniotomy, posterior fossa decompression, craniectomy, and ventriculoperitoneal drainage when clinically indicated.
Target Phenotypes: Increased intracranial pressure HP:0002516 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this treatment targets this phenotype This treatment targets Increased intracranial pressure (HP:0002516). HP:0002516 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology. Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis HP:0007285 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this treatment targets this phenotype This treatment targets Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis (HP:0007285). HP:0007285 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology. Optic atrophy HP:0000648 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this treatment targets this phenotype This treatment targets Optic atrophy (HP:0000648). HP:0000648 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:8433139 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"Sclerosteosis is a craniotubular bone modeling disorder and presents with cranial nerve palsies and raised intracranial pressure; sudden death may occur without neurosurgical intervention."
Supports neurosurgical surveillance and intervention for raised intracranial pressure and cranial nerve compromise.
PMID:8433139 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"Patients should be followed closely since the regrowth of bone may necessitate repeated decompressive procedures."
Supports ongoing post-decompression monitoring because bone regrowth can require repeat procedures.
Audiologic Management
Action: supportive careNCI Thesaurus (NCIT) Relation: this treatment is this clinical intervention This treatment is supportive care (NCIT:C15747). NCIT:C15747 is a clinical intervention from the NCI Thesaurus. Ontology label: Supportive Care NCIT:C15747
Hearing loss from cranial nerve or middle-ear involvement should be followed with audiology and managed with hearing aids, middle-ear surgery, or cochlear implantation according to the hearing-loss mechanism and severity.
Target Phenotypes: Hearing impairment HP:0000365 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this treatment targets this phenotype This treatment targets Hearing impairment (HP:0000365). HP:0000365 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT Other
"Hearing aids with middle ear surgery or cochlear implant depending on the nature of the hearing loss"
GeneReviews directly supports hearing aids, middle-ear surgery, or cochlear implantation according to hearing-loss type.
Ophthalmologic and Optic Nerve Surveillance
Action: supportive careNCI Thesaurus (NCIT) Relation: this treatment is this clinical intervention This treatment is supportive care (NCIT:C15747). NCIT:C15747 is a clinical intervention from the NCI Thesaurus. Ontology label: Supportive Care NCIT:C15747
Ophthalmology follow-up should monitor proptosis, intraocular pressure, and optic nerve papilla/optic atrophy because cranial hyperostosis can compress the optic nerve and threaten vision.
Target Phenotypes: Optic atrophy HP:0000648 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this treatment targets this phenotype This treatment targets Optic atrophy (HP:0000648). HP:0000648 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT Other
"annual ophthalmology examination to assess for proptosis, intraocular pressure, and evaluation of the optic nerve papilla"
GeneReviews supports routine ophthalmologic surveillance for vision-risk complications.
Dental, Orthodontic, and Mandibular Management
Action: supportive careNCI Thesaurus (NCIT) Relation: this treatment is this clinical intervention This treatment is supportive care (NCIT:C15747). NCIT:C15747 is a clinical intervention from the NCI Thesaurus. Ontology label: Supportive Care NCIT:C15747
Dental and craniofacial care should assess mandibular overgrowth, malocclusion, tooth alignment, delayed eruption or anodontia, difficult extraction risk, drooling, and mastication problems. Selected patients may need orthodontic care, craniofacial-team management, or surgical reduction of mandibular overgrowth.
Target Phenotypes: Mandibular prognathia HP:0000303 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this treatment targets this phenotype This treatment targets Mandibular prognathia (HP:0000303). HP:0000303 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT Other
"surgical reduction of mandibular overgrowth; orbital decompression for proptosis; treatment of dental manifestations per orthodontist and/or craniofacial team"
GeneReviews supports mandibular reduction and dental/craniofacial team management.
PMID:11570544 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"Accurate differentiation of sclerosteosis from the other sclerosing bone dysplasias is crucial for effective dental prognostication and management."
Dedicated oral/dental evaluation supports diagnosis-specific dental prognostication and management.
Syndactyly Correction
Action: surgical repairNCI Thesaurus (NCIT) Relation: this treatment is this clinical intervention This treatment is surgical repair, annotated with Surgical Procedure (NCIT:C15329). NCIT:C15329 is a clinical intervention from the NCI Thesaurus. Ontology label: Surgical Procedure NCIT:C15329
Syndactyly should be assessed in infancy or childhood, with surgical correction considered when the anatomy limits hand function or care.
Target Phenotypes: Finger syndactyly HP:0006101 Human Phenotype Ontology (HP) Relation: this treatment targets this phenotype This treatment targets Finger syndactyly (HP:0006101). HP:0006101 is a phenotype from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT Other
"surgical correction of syndactyly."
GeneReviews lists surgical correction of syndactyly as treatment of a manifestation.
Avoid Bone-Overgrowth-Exacerbating Agents
Action: supportive careNCI Thesaurus (NCIT) Relation: this treatment is this clinical intervention This treatment is supportive care (NCIT:C15747). NCIT:C15747 is a clinical intervention from the NCI Thesaurus. Ontology label: Supportive Care NCIT:C15747
Avoid antiresorptive and bone-anabolic agents that could worsen the high bone-mass state, including bisphosphonates, denosumab, selective estrogen receptor modulators, teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab.
Show evidence (1 reference)
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT Other
"Agents known to suppress bone resorption (e.g., bisphosphonates, denosumab, selective estrogen receptor modulators) and agents known to stimulate bone formation (e.g., teriparatide, abaloparatide, romozosumab)."
GeneReviews explicitly lists these antiresorptive and bone-anabolic agents as agents to avoid because they can exacerbate bone overgrowth.
Genetic Counseling
Action: Genetic CounselingNCI Thesaurus (NCIT) Relation: this treatment is this clinical intervention This treatment is Genetic Counseling (NCIT:C15240). NCIT:C15240 is a clinical intervention from the NCI Thesaurus. NCIT:C15240
Genetic counseling for affected families should cover autosomal recessive inheritance, carrier testing of relatives and reproductive partners, prenatal/preimplantation testing once familial variants are known, and founder variants in high-risk ancestries such as the South African Afrikaner population.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT Other
"SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasias are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner."
GeneReviews supports autosomal recessive counseling for the SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia spectrum.
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT Other
"Once the pathogenic variants associated with a SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia have been identified in an affected family member, carrier testing for at-risk family members and prenatal/preimplantation genetic testing are possible."
Supports carrier testing and reproductive counseling once familial SOST variants are known.
🔬

Diagnosis

1
Clinical, Radiographic, and Molecular Diagnosis
Sclerosteosis is diagnosed from generalized progressive bone overgrowth with tall stature, facial features of cranial sclerosis, syndactyly, and raised intracranial pressure or cranial nerve palsies from skull thickening. Molecular testing confirms SOST-related sclerosteosis by identifying biallelic loss-of-function SOST variants and distinguishes van Buchem disease caused by a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST.
molecular genetic testing NCIT:C19770 NCI Thesaurus (NCIT)
Show evidence (3 references)
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"Sclerosteosis is a progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance"
Defines sclerosteosis as a recessive progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia, the clinical/radiographic basis of diagnosis.
PMID:11181578 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"the three disease-causing mutations lead to loss of function of the SOST protein resulting in the formation of massive amounts of normal bone throughout life, the physiological role of SOST is most likely the suppression of bone formation"
Supports SOST loss-of-function molecular testing as the basis of confirmation.
PMID:36508511 SUPPORT Other
"The diagnosis of a SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia is established in a proband with typical clinical and radiographic findings and biallelic pathogenic variants in SOST (in individuals with SOST-related sclerosteosis) or a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST (in individuals with..."
GeneReviews provides the diagnostic boundary between SOST-related sclerosteosis and van Buchem disease.
📊

Prevalence

1
South African Afrikaner founder population
Point Prevalence 1.333333 per 100,000 1–9 per 100,000
A nationwide South African investigation reported a minimum prevalence of 1 in 75,000 in the Afrikaner community, reflecting the well-known founder effect in this population.
Show evidence (2 references)
PMID:187366 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"The minimum prevalence of the contition in this community is 1 in 75,000."
This nationwide study provides a direct minimum prevalence estimate for sclerosteosis in the South African Afrikaner population.
PMID:11179006 SUPPORT Human Clinical
"The majority of affected individuals have been reported in the Afrikaner population of South Africa, where a high incidence of the disorder occurs as a result of a founder effect."
This later molecular study corroborates the strong Afrikaner founder effect underlying the reported prevalence.
{ }

Source YAML

click to show
name: Sclerosteosis
creation_date: '2026-02-13T00:31:42Z'
category: Mendelian
description: >
  Sclerosteosis is an autosomal recessive progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia
  caused by loss-of-function mutations in the SOST gene, which encodes sclerostin,
  a secreted Wnt signaling antagonist. This entry focuses on SOST-related
  sclerosteosis within the broader SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia
  spectrum. Loss of sclerostin leads to unopposed Wnt-mediated osteoblast
  activation and massive progressive bone formation throughout life. The
  condition is characterized by generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis of the
  skull, mandible, ribs, clavicles, and long bones, leading to cranial nerve
  compression and potentially lethal intracranial-pressure complications. Hand
  malformations (syndactyly) and tall stature distinguish sclerosteosis from the
  related SOST-regulatory deletion disorder van Buchem disease. LRP4-related
  sclerosteosis-like disease is a separate genetic boundary condition affecting
  sclerostin signaling rather than SOST itself. The majority of affected
  individuals have been reported in the South African Afrikaner population due
  to a founder effect. Discovery of SOST led to development of anti-sclerostin
  antibodies (romosozumab) for osteoporosis.
disease_term:
  preferred_term: sclerosteosis
  term:
    id: MONDO:0017838
    label: sclerosteosis
parents:
- Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias
has_subtypes:
- name: SOST-related Sclerosteosis
  subtype_term:
    preferred_term: sclerosteosis 1
    term:
      id: MONDO:0010016
      label: sclerosteosis 1
  genes:
  - preferred_term: SOST
    term:
      id: hgnc:13771
      label: SOST
  description: >
    Classic sclerosteosis caused by biallelic SOST loss-of-function variants,
    with progressive skull and mandibular overgrowth, syndactyly, tall stature,
    cranial nerve entrapment, and increased intracranial-pressure risk.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
    snippet: "biallelic pathogenic variants in SOST (in individuals with SOST-related sclerosteosis)"
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews states the molecular criterion for this subtype: biallelic
      SOST pathogenic variants.
- name: Van Buchem Disease
  subtype_term:
    preferred_term: van Buchem disease
    term:
      id: MONDO:0009395
      label: hyperostosis corticalis generalisata
  genes:
  - preferred_term: SOST
    term:
      id: hgnc:13771
      label: SOST
  description: >
    SOST-related endosteal hyperostosis, van Buchem type, is caused by a
    biallelic 52-kb regulatory deletion downstream of SOST. It is generally
    milder than SOST-related sclerosteosis, lacks syndactyly or other digit
    deformities, and has apparently normal life span. The SOST binding above
    records the affected locus, not a coding variant: the lesion is the
    downstream enhancer deletion rather than a SOST coding allele. MONDO's
    primary label for this concept is "hyperostosis corticalis generalisata"
    (MONDO:0009395), whose definition names van Buchem disease as the alternate
    name; it is bound here because this entry follows the GeneReviews grouping
    of the two SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasias, not to assert a MONDO
    subclass edge under sclerosteosis. Van Buchem disease also has its own full
    dismech entry, Van_Buchem_Disease.yaml, which is anchored at this same
    MONDO term as its `disease_term` and carries the enhancer (ECR5) mechanism
    in depth. The duplication is deliberate and follows the existing convention
    for a subtype row that is also a standalone entry - SOX10 Neurocristopathy
    Spectrum binds MONDO:0012198 for its PCWH row while PCWH_syndrome.yaml is
    anchored at the same term - so this row is a pointer into that entry, not a
    competing account of the disease.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
    snippet: "a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST (in individuals with van Buchem disease)"
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews states the molecular lesion distinguishing van Buchem disease
      from SOST-coding-variant sclerosteosis.
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
    snippet: "Individuals with van Buchem disease do not have syndactyly or other digit deformities. Life span appears not to be altered."
    explanation: >-
      Sources the milder-phenotype contrast asserted in this subtype's
      description.
- name: LRP4-related Sclerosteosis
  display_name: Sclerosteosis 2 (LRP4)
  subtype_term:
    preferred_term: sclerosteosis 2
    term:
      id: MONDO:0013679
      label: sclerosteosis 2
  genes:
  - preferred_term: LRP4
    term:
      id: hgnc:6696
      label: LRP4
  description: >
    MONDO records a second sclerosteosis locus, sclerosteosis 2
    (MONDO:0013679), defined as sclerosteosis caused by LRP4 variants. It is
    listed here as a subtype row so that the LRP4 locus is reachable from this
    umbrella entry, which is keyed at MONDO:0017838 (sclerosteosis). The
    mechanism is distinct from SOST loss: LRP4 variants impair the receptor's
    sclerostin-facilitator function, so sclerostin is produced but cannot act,
    and circulating sclerostin is raised rather than absent. The entry's
    `genetic:` record for LRP4 carries the supporting evidence and the
    differential-diagnosis reasoning.
inheritance:
- name: Autosomal Recessive
  description: >
    Autosomal recessive inheritance. High incidence in the South African
    Afrikaner population due to a founder effect. Two nonsense mutations
    and one splice site mutation identified.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Sclerosteosis is a progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance"
    explanation: "Confirms autosomal recessive inheritance of sclerosteosis."
classifications:
  isds_skeletal_category:
  - classification_value: osteosclerotic_disorders
    notes: >-
      ISDS Nosology of Genetic Skeletal Disorders. Assigned from the 2019 revision
      (Mortier et al., PMID:31633310), Table 1 group 24 "Other sclerosing bone
      disorders"; listed as "Sclerosteosis". The 2023 revision (Unger et al.,
      PMID:36779427) dissolved that group into group 25 "Osteosclerotic disorders",
      fusing the neonatal osteosclerotic dysplasias with the other sclerosing bone
      disorders, so the value is carried forward here. Membership has not been
      re-verified against the 2023 table.
prevalence:
- population: South African Afrikaner founder population
  measure_type: POINT_PREVALENCE
  prevalence_class: BAND_1_9_PER_100000
  rate_per_100000: 1.333333
  percentage: 1 in 75,000
  notes: >-
    A nationwide South African investigation reported a minimum prevalence of
    1 in 75,000 in the Afrikaner community, reflecting the well-known founder
    effect in this population.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:187366
    reference_title: "Sclerosteosis - an autosomal recessive disorder"
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "The minimum prevalence of the contition in this community is 1 in 75,000."  # codespell:ignore-line
    explanation: This nationwide study provides a direct minimum prevalence estimate for sclerosteosis in the South African Afrikaner population.
  - reference: PMID:11179006
    reference_title: "Bone dysplasia sclerosteosis results from loss of the SOST gene product, a novel cystine knot-containing protein."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "The majority of affected individuals have been reported in the Afrikaner population of South Africa, where a high incidence of the disorder occurs as a result of a founder effect."
    explanation: This later molecular study corroborates the strong Afrikaner founder effect underlying the reported prevalence.
pathophysiology:
- name: Loss of Sclerostin (SOST Loss-of-Function)
  description: >
    SOST encodes sclerostin, a secreted glycoprotein with a cysteine-knot
    motif that functions as an antagonist of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
    pathway by binding to LRP5/LRP6 coreceptors on osteoblasts. Loss-of-function
    mutations abolish sclerostin production, removing the
    physiological brake on bone formation.
  genes:
  - preferred_term: SOST
    term:
      id: hgnc:13771
      label: SOST
  genetic_context:
    gene:
      preferred_term: SOST
      term:
        id: hgnc:13771
        label: SOST
    variant_origin: GERMLINE
    zygosity: HOMOZYGOUS
    functional_impact_category: LOSS_OF_FUNCTION
    description: >-
      Biallelic SOST loss-of-function variants (two nonsense and one splice-site
      variant in the original sclerosteosis cohorts) abolish sclerostin
      production. Van Buchem disease is caused instead by a biallelic 52-kb
      regulatory deletion downstream of SOST, which is why it is modeled as a
      separate subtype of this entry rather than as another SOST coding allele.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "the three disease-causing mutations lead to loss of function of the SOST protein resulting in the formation of massive amounts of normal bone throughout life, the physiological role of SOST is most likely the suppression of bone formation"
    explanation: "Establishes that SOST loss causes massive bone formation and that sclerostin normally suppresses bone formation."
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "This new gene encodes a protein with a signal peptide for secretion and a cysteine-knot motif"
    explanation: "Characterizes sclerostin as a secreted cysteine-knot protein."
  - reference: PMID:11179006
    reference_title: "Bone dysplasia sclerosteosis results from loss of the SOST gene product, a novel cystine knot-containing protein."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "The SOST gene encodes a protein that shares similarity with a class of cystine knot-containing factors including dan, cerberus, gremlin, prdc, and caronte"
    explanation: "Places sclerostin in the DAN family of BMP/Wnt antagonists."
  downstream:
  - target: Unopposed Wnt/Beta-Catenin Osteoblast Activation
    description: >-
      With no secreted sclerostin to antagonise LRP5/LRP6, the Wnt/beta-catenin
      brake on osteoblasts is absent and bone formation proceeds unopposed.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:11181578
      reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "the physiological role of SOST is most likely the suppression of bone formation"
      explanation: >-
        The founding positional-cloning study concludes that the normal role of
        the lost protein is suppression of bone formation, which is the brake
        whose removal the target node models.
- name: Unopposed Wnt/Beta-Catenin Osteoblast Activation
  description: >
    Loss of sclerostin removes the physiological brake on Wnt/beta-catenin
    signaling in osteoblasts, leading to continuous, unopposed osteoblast
    activity and massive accumulation of structurally normal bone throughout
    life. SOST is an important therapeutic target for osteoporosis
    (anti-sclerostin antibody romosozumab).
  genes:
  - preferred_term: SOST
    term:
      id: hgnc:13771
      label: SOST
  biological_processes:
  - preferred_term: Wnt Signaling Pathway
    term:
      id: GO:0016055
      label: Wnt signaling pathway
  - preferred_term: Ossification
    term:
      id: GO:0001503
      label: ossification
  cell_types:
  - preferred_term: Osteoblast
    term:
      id: CL:0000062
      label: osteoblast
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11179006
    reference_title: "Bone dysplasia sclerosteosis results from loss of the SOST gene product, a novel cystine knot-containing protein."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "the SOST gene encodes an important new regulator of bone homeostasis"
    explanation: "Confirms SOST as a key regulator of bone metabolism."
  downstream:
  - target: Progressive Cranial Hyperostosis and Nerve Compression
    description: >-
      Unrestrained osteoblast activity deposits bone most heavily in the
      calvarium and mandible, so the skull is where progressive hyperostosis and
      foraminal narrowing develop.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:36508511
      reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: OTHER
      quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
      snippet: "progressive skeletal overgrowth, most pronounced in the skull and mandible"
      explanation: >-
        Sources the cranial and mandibular predilection of the overgrowth that
        this edge asserts.
  - target: Generalized Osteosclerosis
    description: >-
      The same unopposed osteoblast activity thickens and sclerosses the axial
      and appendicular skeleton, not only the skull.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:11181578
      reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "with mandible, ribs, clavicles and all long bones also being affected"
      explanation: >-
        Establishes that the hyperostosis is generalised rather than confined to
        the calvarium.
  - target: Mandibular Prognathia
    description: >-
      Mandibular overgrowth is one of the sites where the excess bone formation
      is clinically apparent, producing prognathism in childhood.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:36508511
      reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: OTHER
      quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
      snippet: "Facial distortion due to frontal bossing and mandibular overgrowth is seen in nearly all individuals and becomes apparent in early childhood with progression into adulthood."
      explanation: >-
        Attributes the facial distortion, including mandibular overgrowth, to
        the bone-overgrowth process this node models.
  - target: Tall Stature
    description: >-
      Generalised skeletal overgrowth also increases linear growth, which is
      what distinguishes sclerosteosis from van Buchem disease, where stature is
      typically normal.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:36508511
      reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
      supports: SUPPORT
      directness: INDIRECT
      evidence_source: OTHER
      quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
      snippet: "both disorders of progressive bone overgrowth due to increased bone formation"
      explanation: >-
        Names increased bone formation as the shared process; the step from
        generalised overgrowth to increased stature is an inference, hence
        INDIRECT.
- name: Impaired Sclerostin Action at LRP4
  description: >
    In the LRP4-related form (sclerosteosis 2), sclerostin is produced but
    cannot act. Bone-overgrowth-associated LRP4 variants impair the receptor's
    interaction with sclerostin and its sclerostin-facilitator function, so
    Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in osteoblasts escapes sclerostin restraint by a
    different route than in SOST loss. Because sclerostin is still made but not
    retained or presented in bone, circulating sclerostin is raised rather than
    absent, which is the biochemical feature that distinguishes this form from
    SOST-related sclerosteosis.
  biological_scale: MOLECULAR
  subtypes:
  - LRP4-related Sclerosteosis
  genes:
  - preferred_term: LRP4
    term:
      id: hgnc:6696
      label: LRP4
  cell_types:
  - preferred_term: Osteoblast
    term:
      id: CL:0000062
      label: osteoblast
  downstream:
  - target: Unopposed Wnt/Beta-Catenin Osteoblast Activation
    description: >-
      Failure of sclerostin to act through LRP4 leaves Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling in osteoblasts unrestrained, converging on the same downstream
      bone-overgrowth mechanism as SOST loss.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:21471202
    reference_title: "Bone overgrowth-associated mutations in the LRP4 gene impair sclerostin facilitator function."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: IN_VITRO
    snippet: >-
      We found that these mutations impair LRP4 interaction with sclerostin and
      its concomitant sclerostin facilitator effect.
    explanation: >-
      Establishes the molecular defect this node models: loss of the
      LRP4-sclerostin interaction rather than loss of sclerostin itself.
  - reference: PMID:26751728
    reference_title: "A Novel Domain-Specific Mutation in a Sclerosteosis Patient Suggests a Role of LRP4 as an Anchor for Sclerostin in Human Bone."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: >-
      We demonstrate that impaired sclerostin binding to the mutated LRP4
      protein leads to dramatic increase in circulating sclerostin in this
      patient.
    explanation: >-
      Sources the raised-circulating-sclerostin contrast asserted in this
      node's description, in a patient rather than in vitro.
- name: Progressive Cranial Hyperostosis and Nerve Compression
  description: >
    Massive bone accumulation preferentially affects the skull and mandible,
    progressively narrowing cranial nerve foramina. This causes facial nerve
    palsy, hearing loss, and optic atrophy.
  biological_processes:
  - preferred_term: Bone Development
    term:
      id: GO:0060348
      label: bone development
  locations:
  - preferred_term: Cranium
    term:
      id: UBERON:0003128
      label: cranium
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur"
    explanation: "Cranial nerve foramen narrowing from progressive bone overgrowth causes neurological complications."
  downstream:
  - target: Cranial Hyperostosis
    description: >-
      The calvarial thickening and skull sclerosis that are the radiographic
      expression of this node.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:11181578
      reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "Radiologically, it is characterized by a generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis leading to a markedly thickened and sclerotic skull"
      explanation: >-
        Sources the thickened, sclerotic skull as the radiographic read-out of
        the hyperostosis.
  - target: Facial Palsy
    description: >-
      Narrowing of the facial-nerve canal by skull-base hyperostosis entraps the
      seventh cranial nerve.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:12694228
      reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
      explanation: >-
        The South African natural-history cohort attributes facial palsy to
        cranial nerve entrapment, which is the step this edge asserts.
  - target: Hearing Impairment
    description: >-
      Entrapment of the eighth cranial nerve by the same foraminal narrowing
      produces hearing loss.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:12694228
      reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
      explanation: >-
        The same cohort sentence attributes deafness to cranial nerve
        entrapment.
  - target: Optic Atrophy
    description: >-
      Narrowing of the optic canal compresses the second cranial nerve.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:11181578
      reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur"
      explanation: >-
        States foraminal narrowing as the cause of optic nerve atrophy.
  - target: Increased Intracranial Pressure
    description: >-
      Calvarial overgrowth reduces intracranial volume, raising intracranial
      pressure; this was the leading cause of death in the natural-history
      cohort.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:12694228
      reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
      supports: SUPPORT
      evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
      snippet: "24 from complications related to elevation of intracranial pressure as a result of calvarial overgrowth."
      explanation: >-
        Attributes raised intracranial pressure to calvarial overgrowth in 24
        deaths within the cohort.
phenotypes:
- name: Cranial Hyperostosis
  description: >
    Progressive calvarial thickening causes marked skull sclerosis and
    narrowing of cranial nerve foramina.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Cranial hyperostosis
    term:
      id: HP:0004437
      label: Cranial hyperostosis
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Radiologically, it is characterized by a generalized hyperostosis and sclerosis leading to a markedly thickened and sclerotic skull"
    explanation: "Supports cranial hyperostosis as a hallmark radiographic phenotype."
- name: Generalized Osteosclerosis
  description: >
    Diffuse skeletal sclerosis extends beyond the skull to the mandible, ribs,
    clavicles, and long bones, with cortical widening of tubular bones.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Generalized osteosclerosis
    term:
      id: HP:0005789
      label: Generalized osteosclerosis
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "with mandible, ribs, clavicles and all long bones also being affected"
    explanation: "Shows that the diffuse sclerosing process involves the axial and appendicular skeleton beyond the skull."
  - reference: PMID:7891385
    reference_title: "Sclerosteosis in a Spanish male: first report in a person of Mediterranean origin."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "the typical radiological features, including generalised bone sclerosis and cortical widening of the tubular bones"
    explanation: "Independent case report corroborates generalized bone sclerosis with long-bone cortical widening."
- name: Finger Syndactyly
  description: >
    Syndactyly is a common early manifestation and often involves asymmetric
    cutaneous fusion of the index and middle fingers.
  frequency: FREQUENT
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Finger syndactyly
    term:
      id: HP:0006101
      label: Finger syndactyly
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:223247
    reference_title: "Sclerosteosis in South Africa."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Early presenting features are syndactyly and facial palsy"
    explanation: "Establishes syndactyly as an early presenting manifestation."
  - reference: PMID:12694228
    reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Mandibular overgrowth was present in 46 (73%) adults and syndactyly in 48 (76%)."
    explanation: "Syndactyly occurred in 48 of 63 affected individuals (76%), which falls in the FREQUENT band."
  - reference: PMID:11385236
    reference_title: "Syndactyly/brachyphalangy and nail dysplasias as marker lesions for sclerosteosis."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Besides generalized bone changes the presence of asymmetric cutaneous syndactyly of the index and middle fingers is characteristic."
    explanation: "Specifies the characteristic morphology as asymmetric index-middle finger cutaneous syndactyly."
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    quote_role: REVIEW_SYNTHESIS
    snippet: "Affected individuals appear normal at birth except for syndactyly."
    explanation: >-
      Places syndactyly at birth, before any of the progressive bone overgrowth
      that this entry's cascade describes, so the hand malformation is not a
      consequence of postnatal hyperostosis.
- name: Nail Dysplasia
  description: >
    Nail dysplasia may accompany the hand malformation, especially involving
    the index fingers.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Nail dysplasia
    term:
      id: HP:0002164
      label: Nail dysplasia
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11385236
    reference_title: "Syndactyly/brachyphalangy and nail dysplasias as marker lesions for sclerosteosis."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "In many cases this syndactyly is associated with nail dysplasia"
    explanation: "Supports nail dysplasia as a recurring hand phenotype associated with sclerosteosis syndactyly."
- name: Tall Stature
  description: >
    Large stature is a distinguishing clinical feature relative to van Buchem
    disease.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Tall stature
    term:
      id: HP:0000098
      label: Tall stature
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Sclerosteosis is clinically and radiologically very similar to van Buchem disease, mainly differentiated by hand malformations and a large stature in sclerosteosis patients."
    explanation: "Supports tall stature as a distinguishing phenotype of sclerosteosis."
- name: Mandibular Prognathia
  description: >
    Mandibular overgrowth is common in adults and contributes to chin
    protrusion and striking orofacial enlargement.
  frequency: FREQUENT
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Mandibular prognathia
    term:
      id: HP:0000303
      label: Mandibular prognathia
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:12694228
    reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Mandibular overgrowth was present in 46 (73%) adults"
    explanation: "The natural history abstract reports mandibular overgrowth in 73% of affected adults, which falls in the FREQUENT band."
  - reference: PMID:11570544
    reference_title: "Dental and oral manifestations of sclerosteosis."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Gross asymmetrical hypertrophy of the mandible was present in all eight patients"
    explanation: "Dedicated oral evaluation confirms severe mandibular enlargement as a consistent orofacial manifestation."
- name: Facial Palsy
  description: >
    Facial palsy results from compression of the facial nerve as progressive
    skull overgrowth narrows cranial foramina.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis
    term:
      id: HP:0007285
      label: Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy"
    explanation: "Directly supports facial palsy as a consequence of skull-base hyperostosis."
  - reference: PMID:223247
    reference_title: "Sclerosteosis in South Africa."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Early presenting features are syndactyly and facial palsy"
    explanation: "Shows that facial palsy is an early recognized clinical manifestation."
  phenotype_contexts:
  - onset:
      onset_category: CHILDHOOD
    notes: Childhood onset was reported in the South African natural history cohort.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:12694228
      reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
      supports: SUPPORT
      snippet: "Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
      explanation: "Supports childhood onset of facial palsy due to cranial nerve entrapment."
- name: Hearing Impairment
  description: >
    Hearing loss results from cranial nerve entrapment caused by progressive
    skull-base hyperostosis.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Hearing impairment
    term:
      id: HP:0000365
      label: Hearing impairment
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur."
    explanation: "Directly supports hearing loss caused by cranial nerve foraminal narrowing."
  phenotype_contexts:
  - onset:
      onset_category: CHILDHOOD
    notes: Childhood onset was reported in the South African natural history cohort.
    evidence:
    - reference: PMID:12694228
      reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
      supports: SUPPORT
      snippet: "Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons."
      explanation: "Supports childhood onset of deafness/hearing impairment due to cranial nerve entrapment."
- name: Optic Atrophy
  description: >
    Optic nerve compromise can develop when skull overgrowth narrows the optic
    canals.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Optic atrophy
    term:
      id: HP:0000648
      label: Optic atrophy
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Due to narrowing of the foramina of the cranial nerves, facial nerve palsy, hearing loss and atrophy of the optic nerves can occur."
    explanation: "Supports compressive optic neuropathy manifesting as optic atrophy."
- name: Increased Intracranial Pressure
  description: >
    Calvarial overgrowth can elevate intracranial pressure and drive
    life-threatening neurologic complications.
  phenotype_term:
    preferred_term: Increased intracranial pressure
    term:
      id: HP:0002516
      label: Increased intracranial pressure
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:12694228
    reference_title: "The natural history of sclerosteosis."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "24 from complications related to elevation of intracranial pressure as a result of calvarial overgrowth."
    explanation: "The natural history cohort links calvarial overgrowth directly to elevated intracranial pressure."
  - reference: PMID:8433139
    reference_title: "Sclerosteosis: neurosurgical experience with 14 cases."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Sclerosteosis is a craniotubular bone modeling disorder and presents with cranial nerve palsies and raised intracranial pressure"
    explanation: "Neurosurgical series independently confirms raised intracranial pressure as a presenting manifestation."
genetic:
- name: SOST Mutations
  gene_term:
    preferred_term: SOST
    term:
      id: hgnc:13771
      label: SOST
  association: Causative
  relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
  variant_origin: GERMLINE
  subtype: SOST-related Sclerosteosis
  notes: >
    Homozygous loss-of-function mutations in SOST on chromosome 17q12-q21.
    Two nonsense mutations and one splice site mutation identified. Affected
    Afrikaners carry a nonsense mutation near the amino terminus; an unrelated
    person of Senegalese origin carries a splicing mutation in the single
    intron. No SOST mutations found in Van Buchem disease patients, who
    instead have a 52-kb regulatory deletion downstream.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Two nonsense mutations and one splice site mutation were identified in sclerosteosis patients"
    explanation: "Identifies the three types of SOST mutations in sclerosteosis."
  - reference: PMID:11179006
    reference_title: "Bone dysplasia sclerosteosis results from loss of the SOST gene product, a novel cystine knot-containing protein."
    supports: SUPPORT
    snippet: "Affected Afrikaners carry a nonsense mutation near the amino terminus of the encoded protein, whereas an unrelated affected person of Senegalese origin carries a splicing mutation within the single intron of the gene"
    explanation: "Details the specific mutations in Afrikaner and Senegalese patients."
- name: LRP4-related Sclerosteosis-like Disease
  association: Causative for sclerosteosis 2 (MONDO:0013679); a differential diagnosis for SOST-related sclerosteosis
  relationship_type: CAUSATIVE
  variant_origin: GERMLINE
  subtype: LRP4-related Sclerosteosis
  gene_term:
    preferred_term: LRP4
    term:
      id: hgnc:6696
      label: LRP4
  notes: >
    LRP4-related sclerosteosis is a separate genetic condition that overlaps
    clinically through impaired sclerostin signaling. Unlike SOST-related
    sclerosteosis, LRP4-related disease can show increased circulating
    sclerostin because mutant LRP4 fails to retain/facilitate sclerostin action
    in bone.
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:21471202
    reference_title: "Bone overgrowth-associated mutations in the LRP4 gene impair sclerostin facilitator function."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: IN_VITRO
    snippet: >-
      We found that these mutations impair LRP4 interaction with sclerostin and
      its concomitant sclerostin facilitator effect.
    explanation: >-
      Supports LRP4-related bone overgrowth as a mechanistically distinct
      sclerostin-signaling disorder.
  - reference: PMID:26751728
    reference_title: "A Novel Domain-Specific Mutation in a Sclerosteosis Patient Suggests a Role of LRP4 as an Anchor for Sclerostin in Human Bone."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: >-
      We demonstrate that impaired sclerostin binding to the mutated LRP4
      protein leads to dramatic increase in circulating sclerostin in this
      patient.
    explanation: >-
      Elevated circulating sclerostin helps distinguish LRP4-related
      sclerosteosis-like disease from SOST loss-of-function disease.
diagnosis:
- name: Clinical, Radiographic, and Molecular Diagnosis
  description: >-
    Sclerosteosis is diagnosed from generalized progressive bone overgrowth
    with tall stature, facial features of cranial sclerosis, syndactyly, and
    raised intracranial pressure or cranial nerve palsies from skull thickening.
    Molecular testing confirms SOST-related sclerosteosis by identifying
    biallelic loss-of-function SOST variants and distinguishes van Buchem
    disease caused by a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST.
  diagnosis_term:
    preferred_term: molecular genetic testing
    term:
      id: NCIT:C19770
      label: Molecular Analysis
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "Sclerosteosis is a progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance"
    explanation: >-
      Defines sclerosteosis as a recessive progressive sclerosing bone dysplasia, the clinical/radiographic basis of diagnosis.
  - reference: PMID:11181578
    reference_title: "Increased bone density in sclerosteosis is due to the deficiency of a novel secreted protein (SOST)."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: "the three disease-causing mutations lead to loss of function of the SOST protein resulting in the formation of massive amounts of normal bone throughout life, the physiological role of SOST is most likely the suppression of bone formation"
    explanation: >-
      Supports SOST loss-of-function molecular testing as the basis of confirmation.
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: >-
      The diagnosis of a SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasia is established
      in a proband with typical clinical and radiographic findings and biallelic
      pathogenic variants in SOST (in individuals with SOST-related
      sclerosteosis) or a biallelic 52-kb deletion downstream of SOST (in
      individuals with van Buchem disease) identified on molecular genetic
      testing.
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews provides the diagnostic boundary between SOST-related
      sclerosteosis and van Buchem disease.
treatments:
- name: Cranial Decompression and Intracranial Pressure Management
  description: >
    Cranial hyperostosis requires close monitoring for raised intracranial
    pressure, brainstem-herniation risk, facial nerve entrapment, hearing loss,
    optic neuropathy, and regrowth after surgery. Management may include
    decompressive craniotomy, posterior fossa decompression, craniectomy, and
    ventriculoperitoneal drainage when clinically indicated.
  therapeutic_modality: SURGERY
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: surgical procedure
    term:
      id: NCIT:C15329
      label: Surgical Procedure
    located_in:
      preferred_term: cranium
      term:
        id: UBERON:0003128
        label: cranium
  target_phenotypes:
  - preferred_term: Increased intracranial pressure
    term:
      id: HP:0002516
      label: Increased intracranial pressure
  - preferred_term: Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis
    term:
      id: HP:0007285
      label: Facial palsy secondary to cranial hyperostosis
  - preferred_term: Optic atrophy
    term:
      id: HP:0000648
      label: Optic atrophy
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:8433139
    reference_title: "Sclerosteosis: neurosurgical experience with 14 cases."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: >-
      Sclerosteosis is a craniotubular bone modeling disorder and presents with
      cranial nerve palsies and raised intracranial pressure; sudden death may
      occur without neurosurgical intervention.
    explanation: >-
      Supports neurosurgical surveillance and intervention for raised
      intracranial pressure and cranial nerve compromise.
  - reference: PMID:8433139
    reference_title: "Sclerosteosis: neurosurgical experience with 14 cases."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: >-
      Patients should be followed closely since the regrowth of bone may
      necessitate repeated decompressive procedures.
    explanation: >-
      Supports ongoing post-decompression monitoring because bone regrowth can
      require repeat procedures.
- name: Audiologic Management
  description: >
    Hearing loss from cranial nerve or middle-ear involvement should be followed
    with audiology and managed with hearing aids, middle-ear surgery, or
    cochlear implantation according to the hearing-loss mechanism and severity.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: supportive care
    term:
      id: NCIT:C15747
      label: Supportive Care
  target_phenotypes:
  - preferred_term: Hearing impairment
    term:
      id: HP:0000365
      label: Hearing impairment
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: >-
      Hearing aids with middle ear surgery or cochlear implant depending on the
      nature of the hearing loss
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews directly supports hearing aids, middle-ear surgery, or
      cochlear implantation according to hearing-loss type.
- name: Ophthalmologic and Optic Nerve Surveillance
  description: >
    Ophthalmology follow-up should monitor proptosis, intraocular pressure, and
    optic nerve papilla/optic atrophy because cranial hyperostosis can compress
    the optic nerve and threaten vision.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: supportive care
    term:
      id: NCIT:C15747
      label: Supportive Care
  target_phenotypes:
  - preferred_term: Optic atrophy
    term:
      id: HP:0000648
      label: Optic atrophy
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: >-
      annual ophthalmology examination to assess for proptosis, intraocular
      pressure, and evaluation of the optic nerve papilla
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews supports routine ophthalmologic surveillance for vision-risk
      complications.
- name: Dental, Orthodontic, and Mandibular Management
  description: >
    Dental and craniofacial care should assess mandibular overgrowth,
    malocclusion, tooth alignment, delayed eruption or anodontia, difficult
    extraction risk, drooling, and mastication problems. Selected patients may
    need orthodontic care, craniofacial-team management, or surgical reduction
    of mandibular overgrowth.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: supportive care
    term:
      id: NCIT:C15747
      label: Supportive Care
  target_phenotypes:
  - preferred_term: Mandibular prognathia
    term:
      id: HP:0000303
      label: Mandibular prognathia
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: >-
      surgical reduction of mandibular overgrowth; orbital decompression for
      proptosis; treatment of dental manifestations per orthodontist and/or
      craniofacial team
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews supports mandibular reduction and dental/craniofacial team
      management.
  - reference: PMID:11570544
    reference_title: "Dental and oral manifestations of sclerosteosis."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
    snippet: >-
      Accurate differentiation of sclerosteosis from the other sclerosing bone
      dysplasias is crucial for effective dental prognostication and management.
    explanation: >-
      Dedicated oral/dental evaluation supports diagnosis-specific dental
      prognostication and management.
- name: Syndactyly Correction
  description: >
    Syndactyly should be assessed in infancy or childhood, with surgical
    correction considered when the anatomy limits hand function or care.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: surgical repair
    term:
      id: NCIT:C15329
      label: Surgical Procedure
  target_phenotypes:
  - preferred_term: Finger syndactyly
    term:
      id: HP:0006101
      label: Finger syndactyly
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: "surgical correction of syndactyly."
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews lists surgical correction of syndactyly as treatment of a
      manifestation.
- name: Avoid Bone-Overgrowth-Exacerbating Agents
  description: >
    Avoid antiresorptive and bone-anabolic agents that could worsen the high
    bone-mass state, including bisphosphonates, denosumab, selective estrogen
    receptor modulators, teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: supportive care
    term:
      id: NCIT:C15747
      label: Supportive Care
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: >-
      Agents known to suppress bone resorption (e.g., bisphosphonates,
      denosumab, selective estrogen receptor modulators) and agents known to
      stimulate bone formation (e.g., teriparatide, abaloparatide, romozosumab).
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews explicitly lists these antiresorptive and bone-anabolic
      agents as agents to avoid because they can exacerbate bone overgrowth.
- name: Genetic Counseling
  description: >
    Genetic counseling for affected families should cover autosomal recessive
    inheritance, carrier testing of relatives and reproductive partners,
    prenatal/preimplantation testing once familial variants are known, and
    founder variants in high-risk ancestries such as the South African
    Afrikaner population.
  treatment_term:
    preferred_term: Genetic Counseling
    term:
      id: NCIT:C15240
      label: Genetic Counseling
  evidence:
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: >-
      SOST-related sclerosing bone dysplasias are inherited in an autosomal
      recessive manner.
    explanation: >-
      GeneReviews supports autosomal recessive counseling for the SOST-related
      sclerosing bone dysplasia spectrum.
  - reference: PMID:36508511
    reference_title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias."
    supports: SUPPORT
    evidence_source: OTHER
    snippet: >-
      Once the pathogenic variants associated with a SOST-related sclerosing
      bone dysplasia have been identified in an affected family member, carrier
      testing for at-risk family members and prenatal/preimplantation genetic
      testing are possible.
    explanation: >-
      Supports carrier testing and reproductive counseling once familial SOST
      variants are known.
notes: >-
  Two phenotypes in this entry are deliberately left without an incoming causal
  edge. Syndactyly and the nail dysplasia that accompanies it are present from
  birth, whereas every other manifestation here follows from progressive
  postnatal bone accumulation, so the sclerostin-loss cascade modelled above does
  not explain them. The sources cited for those two phenotypes establish them as
  congenital marker lesions of sclerosteosis and state no developmental mechanism
  linking loss of sclerostin to interdigital or nail morphogenesis; wiring them to
  the hyperostosis node would assert a causal step none of them supports.

references:
- reference: url:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK587318/
  title: "SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias - GeneReviews® - NCBI Bookshelf"
  findings: []
  tags:
  - GeneReviews
📚

References & Deep Research

References

1
SOST-Related Sclerosing Bone Dysplasias - GeneReviews® - NCBI Bookshelf
No top-level findings curated for this source.