Osteopetrosis is a heterogeneous group of heritable conditions in which there is a defect in bone resorption by osteoclasts. It is associated with an increased skeletal mass due to abnormally dense, but brittle, bones. Osteopetrosis varies greatly in severity, and fracture treatment remains a matter of controversy due to altered responses to fixation and the risk of osteomyelitis. The fate of sternotomy in this condition is unknown, and osteopetrosis could represent a situation of 'hostile chest'. Here, the case is described of a patient with osteopetrosis and concomitant symptomatic aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease.

How to cite: Villa E, Lauria G, Messina A, Rizzi A, D'Ambrosio A, Leonzi O, Sabatini T, Troise G. Osteopetrosis: a Case of 'Hostile Chest' Associated with Symptomatic Aortic Valve Stenosis. J Heart Valve Dis. 2015 Jan;24(1):126-9. PMID: 26182630.