Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by multiple enchondromata accompanied by multiple hemangiomas?

1. Ollier's disease

2. Maffucci's syndrome

3. Dupuytren's disease

4. Bowen's disease

The correct answer is: Maffucci's syndrome

Maffucci's syndrome is characterized by the presence of multiple enchondromas, which are benign cartilaginous tumors found within the medullary cavity of bones, and it is accompanied by multiple hemangiomas, which are benign vascular tumors. This combination of enchondromas and hemangiomas is distinctive of Maffucci’s syndrome and helps in differentiating it from other conditions. In Maffucci's syndrome, there is a genetic component that leads to the development of these tumors, and the occurrence of hemangiomas causes an increased risk of complications such as bleeding or other vascular issues. In contrast, other conditions listed do not share this specific combination. For instance, Ollier's disease primarily involves multiple enchondromas but does not typically feature hemangiomas. Dupuytren's disease primarily affects the connective tissue of the hand and does not include tumors like enchondromas or hemangiomas. Bowen's disease refers to a precancerous skin condition and is unrelated to bone tumors or angiomas. Therefore, the key characteristic that makes Maffucci's syndrome the correct answer is the unique pairing of multiple enchondromas with multiple hemangiomas, distinguishing it clearly from the other listed conditions.