Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: How to suggest this diagnosis?

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare disorder that affects children and teenagers. Clinically, it is characterized by insidious onset of local swelling and pain in several metaphyses. A symmetric, recurrent and multifocal pattern is usual. Spinal involvement is possible. Inconstant association with a cutaneous affection (palmoplantar pustulosis, acne fulminans, psoriasis), or less frequently with an inflammatory chronic gut disorder is described. Pathogenesis usually recognized is an enthesopathy. Enthesitis may progress to the osseous part of the enthese and produce an aseptic chronic osteomyelitis. Biopsy specimen with culture is certainly necessary to rule out bacterial osteomyelitis and bone tumor. It is particularly true when the bone lesion is isolated. Disease course is benign and self-limited. The clinical course is characterized by recurrences and remissions occurring for 6 to 10 years. Treatment based on non steroid antiinflammatory drugs is usually effective.