Which condition leads to the development of osteitis fibrosa cystica?

Osteitis fibrosa cystica is a condition characterized by the presence of bone lesions due to the overactivity of osteoclasts, which are the cells responsible for bone resorption. This condition is most commonly associated with severe hyperparathyroidism, where elevated levels of parathyroid hormone lead to excessive bone resorption and increased calcium release from bones, resulting in cyst-like bone changes.

In hyperparathyroidism, the increased parathyroid hormone stimulates the osteoclasts to break down bone, causing subperiosteal bone resorption, particularly in the phalanges, distal end of the radius, and along the spine. The subsequence of this excessive bone loss results in osteitis fibrosa cystica, which presents radiographically as well-defined bone cysts and can lead to pain and fractures.

While vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, and cancer metastasis can all affect the skeleton and lead to various bone problems, they do not specifically cause osteitis fibrosa cystica in the same manner as severe hyperparathyroidism does. Vitamin D deficiency primarily leads to osteomalacia, chronic kidney disease often results in secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism, and cancer metastasis affects bone integrity differently, often resulting in osteol