Acne fulminans with osteolytic lesions

Multifocal lytic bone lesions were found in a patient with a severe form of acne. The clinical presentation was suggestive of "acne fulminans." Propionibacterium acnes was isolated from a subculture of bone tissue. The association of acne fulminans and osteolytic lesions is rare and the pathophysiology is unknown. However, the use of corticosteroids for systemic effect combined with local measures seems to give excellent treatment results.