Sclerosing Osteomyelitis of Garre: Report of a Case in a Pediatrics Department

Introduction: Chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garre (GSO) is a rare entity that affects children and young adults. The GSO process is characterized by a marked osteoblastic response, generally appearing in the long bones or mandible, with the original description being of a case in the mandible. Case Report: A male patient aged 14 years with a one-week history of swelling of the face with inflammatory signs and spontaneous drainage of purulent liquid. He was initially treated with antibiotics due to the presence of an area of cellulitis. Drainage of the abscess and tooth extraction were also performed. No microorganism was isolated. In view of poor response to antibiotic therapy a bone scan was done that found increased uptake in the mandibullar ramus, with GSO later confirmed by bone biopsy. Discussion: Few clinical cases of Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis have been reported. Most agree that GSO affects children and young adults. The most common locations are the metaphyseal portions of the long bones and the jaw. The cause is unknown, but microscopic findings suggest a possible infectious origin.