Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis

The case of a 17-year-old boy with Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO) is presented. Clinical manifestations included a three month history of marked antalgic scoliosis, thoracic and mid-sternal pain, mild fever, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and skin lesions such as acne and psoriasis. Radiologically, osteolytic lesions were seen in the sternum and the thoracic spine. Histopathological examination of the sternal lesion revealed chronic osteomyelitis. Bone cultures of the resected specimen were negative for known pathogens. The combination of the clinical, radiological, histopathological and microbiological features was the clue to the diagnosis of CRMO.