Pamidronate in the treatment of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible.

Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible is characterized by bouts of intense pain, sometimes associated with trismus and paresthesia, and leads to progressive deformity. It is of unknown etiopathology, but it is suggested to be one manifestation of the synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteomyelitis syndrome, the other features of which may have been overlooked. Treatment results are disappointing, and decortication may be necessary to achieve an acceptable outcome. We report a case restricted to the mandible that responded favorably to treatment with pamidronate. Further trials of pamidronate in patients with diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible, even in those with the aforementioned syndrome, are needed to assess its effectiveness. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2001;92:637-40)