Power to dissolve the bone: Autoinflammation behind the curtain. An update on chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis with clinical case presentation

Abstract

Multifaceted presentation of rheumatic diseases makes patients to consult physicians of various medical specialties, including surgeons. In this paper we present a case of pediatric patient with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis — an autoinflammatory bone disorder — who was misdiagnosed a lot and thus improperly treated before coming to the rheumatologist. An extensive review of scientific papers on chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis was also conducted to show recent advances in the disease imaging and treatment. Our case illustrates that autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders are not solely the matter of rheumatologist’s concern. Physicians of different specialties, including surgeons, should be aware of miscellaneous clinical signs of rheumatic conditions to propel their prompt, accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment.