Another specific finding of itai-itai disease is osteomalacia. The remodeling layer called "Looser zone" shown in Fig.5 and Fig.6 is characteristic. Looser zone is often found in femur, pelvis and ribs. Osteoporosis is also associated with X-ray findings such as unclear trabecular pattern and cortial bone thinning noted.Pathologically, increased osteoid tissue is characteristic of osteomalacia, as shown in Fig.7
| Fig.5 | Pelvic rentgenogram. "Looser zones" of bilateral femoral bones indicated by black and white arrows are found. |
| Fig.6 | Ribs rentgenogram taken during autopsy. "Looser zone" indicated by arrow is shown. |
| Fig.7 | Rupe view of a Looser zone in the rib (hematoxylin and eosin stain with Yoshiki's method). |
Professor Kitagawa, pathology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University provided these photoes (Fig.3-7).
