Pamidronate treatment of chronic noninfectious inflammatory lesions of the mandible in children

Noninfectious inflammatory lesions of the mandible occur in chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible (DSOM) is a condition thought to be a localized form of CRMO. Recently, bisphosphonate therapy, and particularly intravenous pamidronate, has been proposed as a treatment for patients with both CRMO and DSOM who do not improve with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug treatment. We report our experience using pamidronate in 2 children with chronic noninfectious osteomyelitis affecting the mandible. We describe the clinical and radiographic features and the treatment, side effects, and clinical and radiographic responses. Our experience suggests that pamidronate is an effective second-line therapy.