Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis - case report of two patients and review of literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an autoinflammatory skeletal disease characterized by unifocal or multifocal nonbacterial inflammatory bone lesions in the metaphysis of long bones. Common sites of CRMO are tibia, pelvis, proximal femur, clavicle, calcaneum and vertebrae. However, unifocal presentation or presentation in adults, atypical locations, and absence of recurrence have also been reported. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We describe two cases of female patients with unifocal presentation of nonbacterial inflammatory bone lesions in the upper and lower extremity. Furthermore, a review of literature is presented. CONCLUSION: Although CRMO is seen primarily in children and adolescents, and usually occurs in a multifocal pattern, our cases illustrate that this disease can arise in adult patients and in a single location. The diagnosis of CRMO should be made in a multi-disciplinary approach amongst orthopedic surgeons, radiologists and pathologists.