Primary Generalized Hyperostosis in Ancient Peru

Primary generalized hyperostosis is a rare disease usually diagnosed by radiographic examination. Uehlinger considers this syndrome to be different from the secondary osteoarthropathy of the Marie-Bamberger variety and Paget’s disease. The primary type is probably of familial origin and may involve all the bones of the body, appearing independently of severe pulmonary disease. It is predominantly a disease of males (29:2) and in some cases is associated with pachydermia. The literature on this disease is primarily European; the case described below is the first in South America and first among pre-Columbian people