Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis: A Challenging Diagnosis in The Pediatric Age Group and The Role of Imaging: Sharing A Rare Clinical Experience from Ethiopia, East Africa

Abstract

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, which was originally described as chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis is an autoinflammatory bone disorder of idiopathic origin affecting the metaphyseal portion of long bones at multiple sites. This disease entity, which was previously considered to be rare; is now showing a higher incidence according to recent studies. The disease affects children in the age range of 8-11 years and affects females more than males. It is characterized by clinical symptoms persisting more than six months with remissions and episodic exacerbations. Here we present a case of a 12- and half year-old girl who had multiple painful swellings with tenderness in her extremities and clavicle over a 4-year period which exacerbated over the last 18 months prior to diagnosis.