Osteomyelitis appearing as bone tumor: a case series

Abstract

Introduction: Focal bone lesions are common and often found on routine radiology examinations. While many lesions are true neoplasms, several bone abnormalities are not tumors. It is essential for radiologists and clinicians to be aware of this possibility and to identify characteristic features that make it possible to differentiate between bone tumors and lesions that resemble bone tumors. This case series will specifically discuss osteomyelitis, which resembles a bone tumor Case Description: There were three cases with features of osteomyelitis that appeared as bone tumors. The first case is a 3-year-old girl with swelling in her right knee. The differential diagnosis based on X-ray examination are chondroblastoma and aneurysmal bone cyst. The second case is a 24-year-old man with left knee swelling. The differential diagnosis based on X-ray examination is chondroblastoma and giant cell tumor (GCT). The third case is a 45-year-old man with swelling and pain in his right thigh. The differential diagnosis based on X-ray examination is periosteal osteosarcoma. All three cases underwent laboratory examination and showed signs of infection, such as leucocytosis, elevated ESR, and elevated CRP. Histopathology examination of all cases shows chronic inflammation. Conclusion: On X-ray examination, it is difficult to differentiate between osteomyelitis and bone tumors. Cases of osteomyelitis that resemble bone tumors emphasize the importance of clinical history, laboratory examination, and radiography because they are generally difficult to detect.