Radiographic Appearance of Lanthanum

Abstract

An 82-year-old man with hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, chronic constipation, degenerative joint disease of the hips, and a 5-year history of hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease presented with worsening hip pain. The results of his physical examination were unrevealing. Findings on radiography of the pelvis without contrast medium did not provide a reason for his increased hip pain but did show diffuse opacifications throughout the colon. Questioning revealed that his renal failure had induced hyperphosphatemia, which was initially managed with calcium acetate, but 6 months earlier this medication had been changed to lanthanum carbonate (1.5 g orally . . .