Dissemin is shutting down on January 1st, 2025

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JCEM Case Reports, 1(1), 2022

DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luac006

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Extensive Osteonecrosis After Glucocorticoids: Clinical Response to Bisphosphonate

Journal article published in 2022 by Karthik Subbu ORCID, Jordan B. Renner ORCID, Janet E. Rubin ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Abstract Osteonecrosis is a devastating complication of long-term glucocorticoid therapy that has been described in both malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Its incidence has been found to greater than 50% using magnetic resonance imaging in asymptomatic patients, thus osteonecrosis is likely underdiagnosed. Recent studies have suggested that treatment with bisphosphonates can improve pain and mobility and decrease bone marrow edema. We describe a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who presented with debilitating osteonecrosis after treatment with prednisone for a total cumulative dose of 5100 mg. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive infarcts of her bilateral tibiae and femora and left humerus, talus, and calcaneus consistent with osteonecrosis that had persisted for more than 2 years. Her severe knee, shoulder, and ankle pain was treated with 1 dose zolendronic acid. Despite a prolonged acute phase reaction, the patient's symptoms improved with near total resolution of pain.