X-ray skull characteristically shows “Hair on end”appearance in which of the following disease?
**Core Concept**
The "hair on end" appearance on an X-ray skull is a characteristic radiographic feature of a specific condition. This phenomenon occurs due to the thickening of the inner table of the skull, which causes the normally parallel lines of the skull's inner table to become irregular and give a "hair on end" appearance.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The "hair on end" appearance is typically seen in **Acromegaly**, a disorder caused by excess growth hormone (GH) production, often due to a pituitary adenoma. The excess GH stimulates the growth of bones, particularly the skull, leading to an increase in the thickness of the inner table. This thickening causes the characteristic radiographic appearance. The involvement of GH and its receptors in this process highlights the importance of growth factors in bone metabolism.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This choice is not relevant to the "hair on end" appearance, as it does not describe a condition that affects the skull's inner table.
**Option B:** While this condition involves the skull, it does not typically present with the "hair on end" appearance.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it describes a different radiographic feature, not the "hair on end" appearance.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In addition to the "hair on end" appearance, Acromegaly can also cause other characteristic radiographic features, such as an enlarged sella turcica and a "boxcar" appearance of the skull.
**Correct Answer: C. Acromegaly.**