Living with Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis
A condition, also called CRMO, that causes repeated inflammation in and around bones, with pain and swelling.
Understanding Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis
Symptoms usually begin in childhood but can occur at any age. In some cases, it leads to abnormal bone growth, bone deformity, and fractures. It may occur alone or along with skin or bowel inflammation conditions. In rare cases it is part of Majeed syndrome, DIRA, or PAPA syndrome. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, an exam, and imaging.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Bone pain
- Joint swelling and arthritis
- Skin redness
- Fever, sometimes
- Bone overgrowth
- Bone deformity and fractures, in some
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause is unknown, but a genetic influence is thought to be involved.
Also known as: chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis/chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis; chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis; chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (disease); cno/crmo; crmo; nbo
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationChronic multifocal osteomyelitis · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis.
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