Radiographic findings of bisphosphonate-related osteomyelitis of the jaw: investigation of the diagnostic points by comparison with radiation osteomyelitis, suppurative osteomyelitis, and diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis

Abstract

To investigate the possibility of radiographic examination as a tool for differential diagnosis of bisphosphonate-related osteomyelitis of the jaw (BROMJ). The radiographic findings of the mandibular lesions in 25 BROMJ patients were compared with those in 36 radiation osteomyelitis, 92 suppurative osteomyelitis, and 34 diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis patients. The diagnostic criterion for BROMJ was osteomyelitis in patients with experience of bisphosphonate therapy. The amount and duration of bisphosphonate administration and presence and term of bone exposure were not considered for diagnosis. BROMJ revealed characteristic radiographic findings. Osteolytic change that started at the superficial layer of bone (cortical bone), followed by extension between the cortical and cancellous bone, large cancellous bone sequestrum formation often accompanied by extensive osteolytic change of the cortical bone or fairly large cortical bone sequestrum formation, and solid-type periosteal reaction formed at a site related to the margin of the remaining cortical bone were found to be pathognomonic, and were observed not only in cases with bone exposure but also in cases without bone exposure. A relationship between lamina dura thickening and the lesion was doubtful. Osteosclerotic change was frequent and remarkable, but not specific. Radiographic examination was considered to be useful for differential diagnosis of BROMJ. Inclusion of the pathognomonic radiographic findings into the definition of BROMJ will make it possible to achieve earlier and more accurate diagnoses. In addition, the active bone remodeling in the lesions confirmed by radiography suggested that osteonecrosis was not the cause, but the result of infection.