Bilateral Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome of the Femoral Head with a Unique Onset: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a rare condition which mainly affects the hip area. The etiology and pathogenesis of BMES is still unclear. Pain near the affected area, regional osteoporosis, bone marrow edema (identified using magnetic resonance imaging) and spontaneous regression within 6-12 months are the main characteristics of BMES. In this case, a 52-year-old male was diagnosed with BMES of the right hip followed by spontaneous subsiding of symptoms. After 3 years, and under nearly the same social and physical conditions, he was admitted again with newly developed left hip pain and again diagnosed with BMES. We report this rare case since a similar one has not been previously reported in the domestic literature and may be considered valuable for basic research relating to the pathogenesis of BMES.

A Case of Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome in a Patient with Anti-phospholipid Syndrome

Bone marrow edema is a common and nonspecific finding on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and results from various diseases including infection, inflammation, neoplasm, injury, and osteoarthritis. However, bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) represents a distinct entity with specific clinical and imaging features such as diffuse extensions, the lack of other morphologic alterations, no history of trauma, and reversible disease courses. BMES is caused by ischemic changes, and thus, it is postulated to occur as a result of the thrombosis in a patient with primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS). Here, we present a case of 67-year-old male with a history of stroke, being presented with fever of unknown origin and pain on both knees. He had high titers of IgG and IgM anti-cardiolipin antibodies which titers didn't change after 3 months. He was diagnosed as having a BMES due to typical MRI findings. After the introduction of anticoagulation, fever and joint pain were subsided. Our case suggests that BMES can develop within a patient with APS, thus early detection of differentiations is essential to avoid unnecessary treatments.