CRMO

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) causes abnormal inflammation to occur in and around the bones. Symptoms usually begin in childhood but can occur at any age. Symptoms may include episodes of pain and joint swelling, skin redness, and sometimes a fever. In some cases, CRMO leads to abnormal bone growth, bone deformity, and fractures. Symptoms can last for years, and may go away on their own. CRMO may occur alone or with other skin or bowel inflammation conditions. In rare cases, CRMO occurs as part of one of these genetic syndromes: Majeed syndrome, DIRA or PAPA syndrome. The cause of CRMO is unknown, but a genetic influence is thought to be involved. Diagnosis of CRMO is based on the symptoms, clinical exam, and imaging studies. Other more common conditions may need to be excluded before a diagnosis of CRMO can be made. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms and include medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, and other drugs that reduce inflammation.

Symptoms

The following list includes the most common signs and symptoms in people with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). These features may be different from person to person. Some people may have more symptoms than others, and they can range from mild to severe. This list does not include every symptom that has been described in the condition.

Symptoms may include:

• Bone and joint pain
• Skin redness and/or swelling
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Psoriasis
• Blister-like lesions on the palms and/or soles of the feet (palmoplantar pustulosis)

Symptoms typically start in childhood but can occur in any age. Symptoms range in severity from mild to severe. The bones most affected are the long bones, pelvis, shoulder girdle, and spine. CRMO can last from one to twenty years. In severe cases, bone deformities and fractures may occur.

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.Showing 1-5 of 28 | View All

Cause

The exact cause of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is unknown. It is thought that genetics may play a role. In rare cases, CRMO can occur as part of Majeed syndrome, DIRA, or PAPA syndrome. All of these conditions occur due to a genetic variant in a single gene.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is based on the symptoms, clinical exam, and imaging studies. Other more common conditions may need to be excluded before CRMO can be diagnosed. Sometimes a bone biopsy is necessary to remove a small piece of bone for examination under the microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is focused on managing the symptoms. Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and other drugs designed to control inflammation and prevent bone loss.

Statistics

It can be difficult to estimate the exact number of people affected by a rare condition. Some people may go undiagnosed or may be diagnosed incorrectly. Others may not seek medical care. The following estimates are based on the best information available in the scientific literature. These estimates can change based on new information.

It has been estimated that about 1-2 people in 1,000,000 has chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis. The exact number is unknown. Females tend to be affected more often than males.