Massive osteolysis of the maxillofacial skeleton: a clinical, radiographic, histologic, and ultrastructural study

Since its initial description, there have been approximately sixty cases of massive osteolysis reported, involving virtually every bone in the body. This case represents only the fifteenth report of this disease affecting maxillofacial bones. Clinically and radiographically, the progressive nature of this disease was observed over a 5-year period. Attempts at treatment were without success. From the light and electron-microscopic studies, it can be concluded that this disease process is nonneoplastic in nature, showing features of an exuberant proliferative response of vascular and supportive elements.