Histopathological aspects of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is characterised by an insidious onset of fever, local swelling and pain in affected bones, and radiological abnormalities suggestive of osteomyelitis. The histopathological features in 14 patients are described. Morphologically CRMO begins as an acute inflammatory process with a predominance of polymorphonuclear leucocytes, which occasionally form an abscess and osteoclastic bone resorption. At a later stage the predominant features are lymphocytes in the inflammatory infiltrates and occasional granulomatous foci and sigans of bone formation. The clinical course may be prolonged for many years.