Salt and Pepper Skull is associated with which condition?

Salt and Pepper Skull is associated with which condition?

• A. Osteoporosis
• B. Hyperparathyroidism
• C. Osteomyelitis
• D. Scurvy

Answer: (B)

Salt-and-pepper skull reflects diffuse bone remodeling from hyperparathyroidism. Excess parathyroid hormone drives increased osteoclastic activity, leading to resorption of trabeculae in the calvarium. The result is many tiny lucencies scattered through the skull bones, giving a granular, pepper-like appearance on radiographs. This pattern is a hallmark of metabolic bone disease due to hyperparathyroidism. By contrast, osteoporosis shows generalized bone demineralization without this granular skull texture; osteomyelitis tends to produce focal destructive areas with sequestra or involucrum; and scurvy presents with signs like subperiosteal elevation and specific metaphyseal changes rather than a peppered skull.

Salt-and-pepper skull reflects diffuse bone remodeling from hyperparathyroidism. Excess parathyroid hormone drives increased osteoclastic activity, leading to resorption of trabeculae in the calvarium. The result is many tiny lucencies scattered through the skull bones, giving a granular, pepper-like appearance on radiographs. This pattern is a hallmark of metabolic bone disease due to hyperparathyroidism. By contrast, osteoporosis shows generalized bone demineralization without this granular skull texture; osteomyelitis tends to produce focal destructive areas with sequestra or involucrum; and scurvy presents with signs like subperiosteal elevation and specific metaphyseal changes rather than a peppered skull.