Medication ‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw leading to sepsis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: A case report and clinical implications

(A –I) Computed tomography of the right mandible. Imaging reveals a large area of bone destruction with irregular borders and heterogeneous densities involving the body and ramus of the mandible. The affected bone appears to be sclerotic and fragmented, with areas of sequestration and periosteal reac tion. There is also evidence of soft tissue swelling and abscess formation. Key Clinical MessageChronic use of bisphosphonates, in combination with immunosuppressive therapy, increases the risk of jaw osteonecrosis. When sepsis occurs in patients receiving bisphosphonate, osteonecrosis of the jaw should be considered a potential source of infection.AbstractReports of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) accompanied by sepsis are limited. A 75-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis, receiving treatment with bisphosphonate and abatacept, developed sepsis secondary to MRONJ. When sepsis occurs in patients receiving bisphosphonate, osteonecrosis of the jaw should be considered a potential source of infection.
Source: Clinical Case Reports - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: CASE IMAGE Source Type: research