[Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis in children]

We have studied retrospectively a series of 10 children presenting with chronic multifocal osteomyelitis (8 girls, 2 boys, 7 to 16 years). All patients had plain films, bone scintigraphies and histological studies. Three had CT scan and/or MRI. compared with literature data, we observed only one case of palmoplantar pustulosis and only 2 cases of lysis of the medial extremity of the clavicle; in addition, we report one case of lateral extremity of the clavicle and 2 vertebral locations. The radiological pattern was typical: at the beginning of the disease, plain films showed lytic areas which became progressively osteosclerotic with enlargement of the bone. In all the cases, bone scintigraphy revealed high uptake areas which were often infraclinical. The diagnosis was delayed from 3 months to 3 years. This emphasizes the difficulty of the diagnosis which relies on the association of clinical, biological and radiological elements. Biopsies are required to rule out an infectious bacterial osteomyelitis or a tumoral process. The pathogenesis of OCMR remains unknown, but the relation with the SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome is general accepted because of the similar features of the osteitis. The long term follow up appears to be uncertain 6 of our patients are still symptomatic after five years despite anti inflammatory treatment.