The reason the term lupus was used to describe this disease comes from the mid-19th century. Many diseases that caused ulceration or necrosis were given the term "lupus" due to the wound being reminiscent of a wolfs bite. This is similar to the naming of lupus vulgaris or chronic facial tuberculosis, where the lesions are ragged and punched out and are said to resemble the bite of a wolf. Classical period
The classical period began when the disease was first recognized in the Middle Ages. The term lupus is attributed to 12th-century Italian physician Rogerius Frugard, who used it to describe ulcerating sores on the legs of people. No formal treatment for the disease existed and the resources available to physicians to help people were limited. Neoclassical period
The neoclassical period began in 1851 when the skin disease which is now known as discoid lupus was documented by the French physician, Pierre Cazenave. Cazenave termed the illness lupus and added the word erythematosus to distinguish this disease from other illnesses that affected the skin except they were infectious. Cazenave observed the disease in several people and made very detailed notes to assist others in its diagnosis. He was one of the first to document that lupus affected adults from adolescence into the early thirties and that facial rash is its most distinguishing feature.Research and documentation of the disease continued in the neoclassical period with the work of Ferdinand von Hebra and his son-in-law, Moritz Kaposi.
Platyspondyly development begins with generalised osteosclerosis, then subsequent interspersing sclerotic bands develop within vertebral bodies with normal bone density, showing radiolucency. Diagnosis
Medical diagnosis of DSS involves various examinations and evaluations. This usually includes physical examinations, medical history evaluations, assessment of signs and symptoms, laboratory tests and image studies. Biopsy may also be required if necessary.Signs and symptoms of DSS show similarities with multifarious disorders and diseases such as osteosclerosis, H syndrome and Pyle disease. As such, it is likely that DSS is consequently incorrectly identified as osteopertrosis. Therefore, additional tests may be performed in order to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. Prognosis and management
Overall the disease has a poor prognosis, with treatment mainly focusing on palliation and comfort care.As the mechanism and clinical course of DSS remains unclear, definitive treatment is not available for patients. Bone marrow transplant may improve skeletal abnormalities, however it is improbable the transplant will ameliorate the unexplained neurological deteriorations. In addition, the surgery may not be suitable for every patients as the underlying genetic cause of the disease varies amongst patients. Advice of control and reduction in excessive calcium intake may be recommended by physicians to ensure circulating levels of parathyroid hormones are normal to induce and maintain bone resorption. == References ==