Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a recognized condition that usually affects children and adolescents. It generally has a self-limited course, causing significant symptoms but leaving few, if any, residual changes in most cases. The authors undertook a retrospective review of the radiographs and medical records of 11 patients with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. They found that not all patients have complete resolution of disease, and a small minority may be left with residual bone changes. Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis was originally reported in Switzerland; most reported cases are from Europe and Scandinavia. The disease is being recognized with increasing frequency in North America.