Massive osteolysis of the upper and lower jaw controlled by bisphosphonate: A case report

Abstract

Massive osteolysis is an extremely rare condition characterized by progressive osteolysis. In this report, we present a case of massive osteolysis in the upper and lower jaws. A 49-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of bone resorption in the jaw of an unknown cause. Panoramic radiography and computed tomography (CT) showed extensive bone resorption in the right lower and left upper jaws. The biopsy specimen revealed marked non-specific inflammatory granulation tissue without any malignant findings.

Although this case lacked significant lymphatic growth in the biopsy specimen, the clinical diagnosis of massive osteolysis was made, and two courses of zoledronic acid, which has been recently reported to be effective in the disease, were administered. CT performed 19 months after the initial examination showed no new osteolysis, and the patient was free of symptoms.