Multifocal bilateral xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis

Xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder which clinically resembles bone tumor. It is characterized histologically by the presence of a large number of foamy histiocytes admixed with lymphocytes and plasma cells. Xanthogranulomatous inflammation can involve any organ, with kidneys and gall bladder being the worst affected. Only anecdotal cases of osteomyelitis have been reported in the past with scant medical literature. However, all the earlier reported cases, except one, were unifocal lesions. The authors present a case of multifocal xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis involving the left medial malleoli, left talus and the right cuboid bones.