Osteomyelitis of the mandible associated with autosomal dominant osteopetrosis: a case report

Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary bone disorder presenting with variable clinical features and is characterized by an increase in bone density. The main clinical findings of the benign-type of osteopetrosis (autosomal dominant) are fractures and osteomyelitis of the mandible, leading to the detection of the disease. We report a case of autosomal dominant osteopetrosis with secondary mandibular osteomyelitis. Clinical and radiological patterns and treatment evaluation were assessed. The patient was referred for evaluation and treatment of an acute abscess in the left side of the face and osteomyelitis of the mandible. Several imaging studies were performed to assess the lesion and the adjacent bone and soft tissue structures. Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotic therapy, debridement of the necrotic bone and sequestrum, and extra-oral drainage of the abscess, with submandibular access. Healing was uneventful.