Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract

The aim of this article is to review recent findings regarding the diagnosis and treatment of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). An adequate understanding of pathophysiology along with the new advances in MRI imaging make it possible to determine the extent of disease and establish early treatment. TNF-α inhibitors and bisphosphonates have shown to be a well-tolerated and efficient treatment for CRMO providing both symptomatic relief and normalization of bone morphology. The results of recent studies suggest that a better knowledge of the genetic and molecular factors will allow early diagnosis and the development of more effective individualized treatments in the future.