Multifocal osteonecrosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: case report and review of the literature.

Osteonecrosis is a relatively common comorbidity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but avascular necrosis in multiple sites is unusual. Multifocal osteonecrosis is defined as osteonecrotic lesions affecting three or more separate anatomic sites. We report a case of a 24-year-old woman diagnosed with SLE when she presented with mucocutaneous, haematological and mild renal manifestations. Initially, she was treated with prednisone and hydroxychloroquine and her condition remained stable. Two years later, she developed severe bilateral pretibial ulcers intractable to immunosuppressive therapy and broad-spectrum antibiotics. MRI of both legs disclosed osteonecrosis of the distal tibia, proximal tibia, distal fibula and talus bilaterally. She had elevated anticardiolipin antibodies for which she was treated with chronic anticoagulation resulting in complete healing of the leg ulcers and no further episodes of osteonecrosis. In addition to this case, we review the demographic, clinical and pharmacological features of 14 cases reported in the literature.