iloprost and Bone-Marrow-Diseases

Transient osteoporosis (TO) or bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a self-limited clinical condition, which affects middle-aged men and women. It can be treated with miscellaneous conservative and surgical measures, which are analyzed in this systematic review.. BMES/TO is a transient clinical entity, which can be treated with various therapeutic modalities. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of different therapeutic options for the alleviation of pain and reduction of bone marrow edema (BME) in patients with BMES/TO, as well as to propose a therapeutic algorithm.. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched. Eligibility and extraction of studies were conducted by two authors. Methodological quality assessment was carried out with the modified Delphi technique, Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria, and Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Outcomes that were compared were time of pain resolution, VAS pain scores, and BME regression on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).. A total of 36 articles (880 patients) were included. Bisphosphonates had higher efficiency in less than 1-month outcomes on pain resolution compared with core decompression (CD), while iloprost was more efficient at 1-3 months compared with bisphosphonates and CD. At 3-6 months, all three of the aforementioned showed equal results on pain resolution, and at a period of 6-12 months, CD and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) showed excellent results followed by bisphosphonates and the conservative group (CG) consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or analgesics and/or restricted weight bearing. On MRI at 1-3 months, bisphosphonates, iloprost, and CD had relatively the same outcomes on BME resolution, with the least promising being the CG. At 3-6 months, CD seemed to have achieved the best results on the resolution of BME, followed by ESWT, CG, and bisphosphonates group. At 6-12 months, ESWT had the best outcomes compared with the conservative, bisphosphonates, and iloprost groups.. BMES/TO has been treated with many non-standardized measures due to the low number of highly reliable studies. Current literature shows promising results with regard to the reduction of the clinical course of BMES/TO, but further large multicenter randomized controlled trials, as well as standardized radiological and clinical scores, are warranted to acquire evidence-based recommendations on the therapeutic algorithm.

Topics: Bone Marrow; Bone Marrow Diseases; Diphosphonates; Edema; Female; Humans; Iloprost; Male; Middle Aged; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Osteoporosis; Pain; Syndrome

Iloprost is a commercially available prostaglandin I. The authors offer a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the experimental and clinical studies analysing the effect of Iloprost on bone, bone marrow oedema and avascular necrosis.. The available data from the clinical studies suggest that Iloprost has limited effect in advanced stages of avascular necrosis. However, literature suggests that Iloprost administration can be a viable option in the management of bone marrow oedema and early stages of osteonecrosis. Despite these promising results its effect on bone homeostasis needs further elucidation. Moreover, further data on its safety, dosage and efficiency through randomized multicenter studies are desirable in order to reach final conclusions.

Topics: Animals; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Humans; Iloprost; Osteonecrosis; Vasodilator Agents

The parenteral application of the vasoactive drug, iloprost, might be a viable option for the treatment of BMES of different origins, especially ischemic ones. In edema that is secondary to osteoarthrosis or stress, the effect of therapy with iloprost depends on the grade of the basic disease. The natural course of the disease, as well as the normalization of the signal pattern of the MRI, seem to be accelerated.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Female; Foot Diseases; Humans; Iloprost; Infusions, Intravenous; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Vasodilator Agents

The authors hypothesized that the emergence of painful bone marrow edema occurs through microembolisms in the bone marrow that may be reflected in elevated plasma parameters of hypofibrinolysis or a disturbance of the lipid metabolism and that treatment with iloprost may lead to a decrease in or normalization of the elevated serum parameters and, therefore, to pain reduction. Twenty-one patients (12 men and 9 women; mean age, 50 years [range, 22-70 years]) with painful bone marrow edema and elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) serum values were treated with intravenous iloprost. Before and 6 weeks after iloprost therapy, the serum concentrations of Lp(a), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were determined. At 6-week follow-up, 17 patients reported complete resolution of their symptoms. For these patients, complete bone marrow edema resolution was observed on magnetic resonance imaging. Four patients reported that their symptoms were either the same or had worsened but had partial bone marrow edema resolution on magnetic resonance imaging. In these patients, Lp(a) values either increased or remained the same. Hence, the total success rate of iloprost treatment was 86% at a mean follow-up of 17 months (range, 3-45 months). Before iloprost therapy, mean ApoA1, ApoB, and Lp(a) values were 159.8, 108.3, and 69.1 mg/dL, respectively. Six weeks after iloprost therapy, mean ApoA1, ApoB, and Lp(a) values decreased to 147.6 (P=.011), 98.4 (P=.042), and 38.3 (P<.001) mg/dL, respectively. The results of this study indicate a possible role of hypofibrinolysis or a disturbance in the lipid metabolism in the emergence of painful bone marrow edema.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Apolipoproteins; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Embolism; Female; Humans; Iloprost; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Vasodilator Agents; Young Adult

Insufficient osseous blood supply results in bone marrow oedema (BMO) and/or avascular necrosis (AVN). One treatment option to support osseous perfusion is the application of stable prostacycline analog iloprost. In this clinical study, 95 patients were treated with iloprost for BMO/AVN. One hundred eighty-six bones were affected by BMO/AVN before treatment. Average follow-up was 33.0 ± 17.6 months. Pain levels could be reduced (e.g. visual analogue scale, 5.0 ± 2.2 points reduced to 1.7 ± 2.2 points) and functional scores improved (Harris hip score, 52 ± 21 points to 79 ± 17 points) in the course of treatment. According to current data, healing of advanced stages of osteonecrosis is not possible. However, the results of this case series confirm previous findings that in early stages of insufficient osseous blood flow iloprost can contribute to the relief of pain and improve joint function.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Female; Humans; Iloprost; Joints; Male; Middle Aged; Osteonecrosis; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Prospective Studies; Radiography; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Bone marrow oedema (BME) and avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) are disorders of unclear origin. Although there are numerous operative and non-operative treatments for AVN, pain management in patients with AVN remains challenging. Prostaglandins play an important role in inflammatory responses and cell differentiation. It is thought that prostaglandin I2 ([PGI2] or synonoma prostacyclin) and its analogues promote bone regeneration on a cellular or systemic level. The purpose of this study was to assess the curative and symptomatic efficacy of the prostacyclin analogue iloprost in BME and AVN patients.. We are reporting on 50 patients (117 bones) affected by BME/AVN who were treated with iloprost. Pain levels before, during and 3 and 6 months after iloprost application were evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS). The short form(SF)-36 health survey served to judge general health status before and after treatment. Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Knee Society Score (KSS) were performed as functional scores and MRI and X-rays before and 3 and 6 months after iloprost application served as objective parameters for morphological changes of the affected bones.. We found a significant improvement in pain, functional and radiological outcome in BME and early AVN stages after iloprost application, whereas patients with advanced AVN stages did not benefit from iloprost infusions. Mean pain level decreased from 5.26 (day 0) to 1.63 (6 months) and both HHS and KSS increased during follow-up. Moreover, the SF-36 increased from 353.2 (day 0) to 560.5 points (6 months). We found a significant decrease in BME on MRI scans after iloprost application.. In addition to other drugs, iloprost may be an alternative substance which should be considered in the treatment of BME/AVN-associated pain.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Epoprostenol; Female; Humans; Iloprost; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Osteonecrosis; Pain Measurement; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Recovery of Function

To compare the therapeutic effects of oral iloprost and tramadol on the outcome of bone marrow oedema (BME) of the knee by MR imaging and clinical assessment.. Forty-one patients with painful ischemic or mechanical BME of the knee were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized controlled study. Patients were randomized either to iloprost (n = 21, group 1) or tramadol (n = 20, group 2). The treatment duration was 4 weeks. The Larson knee score was used to assess function before treatment and then 3 days, 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks and 3 months after the start of treatment. Short tau inversion recovery and T1-weighted MR images of the affected knees were obtained before and 3 months after the start of treatment. Bone marrow oedema was assessed visually and by computer-assisted quantification for baseline and follow-up MR examinations.. Thirty-three patients completed the study as scheduled. The mean Larson score improved from 58.6 points to 81.8 points in group 1, and from 59.6 points to 86.8 points in group 2, after 3 months (no significant difference between the treatment groups). On MR images, complete BME regression in at least one bone was observed in nine patients (52.9%) in group 1, as opposed to three patients (18.7%) in group 2, after 3 months (P = 0.034). Correspondingly, the median BME volume decreased by 58.0% in group 1, and by 47.5% in group 2.. The analgesic effect of iloprost and tramadol was similar. BME regression on MR images was more pronounced under iloprost treatment.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Bone Marrow Diseases; Double-Blind Method; Edema; Female; Humans; Iloprost; Knee Joint; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Tramadol; Treatment Outcome

Bone-marrow oedema can occur both in isolation and in association with necrosis of bone, but it has not been shown whether each respond to the same methods of treatment. We treated 16 patients with isolated oedema and 17, in which it was associated with necrosis of the proximal femur, with the prostacyclin derivative iloprost, which has been shown to be effective in the idiopathic form. The Harris hip score, the range of movement, the extent of the oedema as measured by MRI, pain on a visual analogue scale and patient satisfaction were recorded before and subsequent to treatment. In both groups, we were able to show a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in these observations during the period of follow-up indicating that iloprost will produce clinical improvement in both circumstances.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bone Marrow Diseases; Case-Control Studies; Edema; Female; Femur Head Necrosis; Hip Joint; Humans; Iloprost; Infusions, Intravenous; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Range of Motion, Articular; Risk Factors; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of the vasoactive drug iloprost in Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome (BMES) and to compare it to the results of a control group treated by core decompression.. 38 hips (36 patients) with BMES in the femoral head were investigated. In group A, 18 hips (17 patients; mean age 49 years) were treated with iloprost, a vasoactive drug that dilates arterioles and venules, reduces capillary permeability and suppresses platelet aggregation. The therapy comprised a series of five infusions with 20 microg iloprost over 6 hours on 5 consecutive days. Weight bearing was reduced for up to 3 weeks, depending on the severity of symptoms. In group B, 20 hips (19 patients; mean age 41 years) underwent surgical core decompression of the femoral head followed by 6 weeks of partial weight bearing. Both groups were evaluated clinically, radiographically and by MRI.. In group A, one patient had to discontinue therapy on the first day because of severe headache. In the remaining patients the Harris Hip Score (HHS) improved from a mean of 64.7 points (range 44-89) before therapy to 97.0 points (83-100) after 3 months. MRI controls showed complete remission in all hips. In group B, the preoperative HHS improved from 53.7 points (31-82) to 95.1 points (39-100) after 3 months. MRI controls showed complete remission of BMES in 14 hips, residual focal bone marrow edema in four hips and a small osteonecrotic area in two hips. In both groups the high level of clinical recovery was maintained at the last examination after a mean follow up of 11 months in group A and 12 months in group B.. The parenteral application of iloprost can achieve equal or better results in the treatment of bone marrow edema syndrome of the hip compared to core decompression.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthralgia; Bone Marrow Diseases; Decompression, Surgical; Edema; Epoprostenol; Female; Femur Head; Humans; Iloprost; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Syndrome; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents

Bone marrow edema (BME) of the foot and ankle is challenging to treat. One approach is intravenous Iloprost treatment, which is a vasoactive prostacyclin analog. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and intermediate outcome of intravenous Iloprost therapy on BME of the foot and ankle and to analyze the influence of its etiology and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage on the outcome.. This was a retrospective study with prospective follow-up. All patients treated by intravenous Iloprost for BME of the foot and ankle (ARCO I-III) at a single orthopedic reference center were included. Demographics, medical history, and MRIs were assessed prior to treatment (t0). MRIs were used to assess the BMEs' etiology (idiopathic/ischemic/metabolic, mechanical/degenerative, traumatic) and severity (ARCO). Complications as well as changes in pain, treatment, and MRI were evaluated after 3 months (t1). The following patient-rated outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed prospectively (t2): 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Visual Analog Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA), and the Foot Function Index (FFI) (also at t0). The descriptive outcomes and the influence of the etiology and ARCO on the outcome parameters were evaluated. Out of 70 eligible patients, 42 patients (60%; 47 ± 15 years; 30% female) with a mean follow-up of 28 ± 19 months were included.. Twelve patients reported minor complications during Iloprost therapy. At t1, pain decreased significantly in 56%, and the amount of BME decreased in 83% of patients. Both parameters correlated moderately (r = -0.463, P = .015). The PROMs at t2 revealed moderate results. The overall FFI improved from 59 ± 21 to 30 ± 22 ( P < .001), the overall VAS FA was 68 ± 20, the SF-12 Physical Component Summary 42 ± 12 and Mental Component Summary 50 ± 9. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant influence of the etiology or ARCO stage on any outcome measure.. Iloprost therapy for BME of the foot and ankle resulted in a 60% pain and 80% edema decrease after 3 months. After 2 years, patient-rated outcome measures showed residual impairment. Neither the etiology nor ARCO stage significantly influenced the outcome.. Level III, comparative study.

Topics: Adult; Ankle Joint; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Female; Foot Joints; Humans; Iloprost; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Bone marrow oedema (BMO) syndrome is a multifactorial condition. Various conservative treatment options include analgesic therapy, immobilisation of the affected joint and/or systemic intravenous iloprost therapy. Many studies have confirmed the positive effect of iloprost therapy, but only after short-term follow-up. The purpose of this study was to show that treatment with iloprost leads to positive long-term functional and radiological outcomes for BMO of the knee. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen patients with BMO of the knee joint, ARCO stage 1-2, were included in this study. Various questionnaires, the Lysholm Score, the SF-36, WOMAC, Knee Society Score, and a visual analogue pain scale (VAS), were evaluated before and after iloprost therapy. All patients underwent MRI for radiological follow-up three months after treatment. RESULTS Significant improvements were found in the Lysholm Score, SF-36, WOMAC and KSS. In 80% of patients, follow-up MRI after three months showed complete regression of the oedema. Three patients received additional surgery after a follow-up period of 33 ± 7 months. CONCLUSIONS Based on the positive results of our study, we recommend treatment with iloprost for BMO of the knee in ARCO stage 1-2 patients. Key words:iloprost, bone marrow oedema, knee joint.

Topics: Administration, Intravenous; Bone Marrow Diseases; Drug Monitoring; Edema; Female; Germany; Humans; Iloprost; Knee Joint; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Radiography; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents

Bone marrow oedema (BMO) is a multifactorial condition. Various conservative treatment options include analgesic therapy, immobilisation of the affected joint and/or systemic intravenous iloprost or bisphosphonate therapy. Many studies confirm the positive effect of iloprost therapy in larger joints, e.g. the hip and knee joint, after short-term follow up. The objective of this study was to investigate that treatment with iloprost leads to positive long-term functional and radiological outcomes for BMO of the hip joint. Nineteen patients with BMO of the hip joint, ARCO stage 1-2, were included in this study. The Harris Hip Score, the SF-36, the WOMAC score and a visual analogue pain scale (VAS) were evaluated before and 29 ± 11 months after Ilomedin therapy. All patients underwent MRI for radiological follow-up monitoring three months after treatment. Significant improvements were found in the WOMAC Index and the VAS. In 79% of patients, follow-up MRI after three months showed complete regression of the oedema. Based on the positive results of our study, we support treatment with iloprost for BMO of the hip joint at ARCO stage 1-2.

Topics: Adult; Analgesics; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Female; Hip Joint; Humans; Iloprost; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Radiography; Treatment Outcome

Bone marrow oedema (BMO) is a multifactorial condition. The conservative treatment options include immobilisation of the affected region and systemic intravenous iloprost therapy. Whereas many studies confirm the positive effect of iloprost therapy in larger joints, e.g. knee and hip, there have been few studies of BMO in smaller areas such as the ankle joint or midfoot. The purpose of this study is to show that treatment with iloprost leads to positive long-term outcomes for BMO of the foot and ankle.. Twenty-three patients with BMO of the ankle joint or midfoot, Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stages 1-2, were included in this study. A questionnaire was used to record the Ankle-hindfoot, Kaikkonen, SF-36 and VAS scores before and after iloprost therapy. In addition, all patients underwent MRI for radiological follow-up monitoring 3 months after treatment.. A significant improvement in function based on the ankle-hindfoot and Kaikkonen scale was demonstrated after iloprost therapy. In 22 patients, follow-up MRI after 3 months showed complete regression of the oedema.. Based on the positive results of our study, we recommend treatment with iloprost for BMO of the upper ankle joint and foot at ARCO stages 1-2.

Topics: Ankle Joint; Arthralgia; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Female; Foot Joints; Humans; Iloprost; Infusions, Intravenous; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Retrospective Studies; Vasodilator Agents

An increase in interstitial fluid is an expression of bone marrow edema (BME) and osteonecrosis (ON). The exact pathogenetic processes still remain unknown. Treatment options are mainly symptomatic with core decompression as surgical golden standard with immediate pain relief. Recently, it has been shown that intravenous iloprost can be used to achieve a reduction in BME and ON with a considerable improvement in the accompanying symptoms. The effect of intraveneously applied iloprost alone (12 patients) was studied against core decompression alone (12 patients) as well as iloprost following core decompression (12 patients). We could find a significant improvement in HHS, WOMAC score, SF-36 score and VAS 3 months and 1 year after therapeutical intervention in all treatment groups; however, statistically best results were obtained by combination. Concerning the MRI scans, we found a distinct reduction in BME in all groups again favoring the combination. Concerning ON, the results were not as promising as for BME. Intravenous prostacyclin and core decompression as monotherapy are of efficient therapeutical benefit in the treatment of BME, and the combination of both methods, however, seems to be most promising, also in the treatment of ON. Long-term results and higher number of patients are needed for final statements.

Topics: Adult; Bone Marrow Diseases; Decompression, Surgical; Edema; Female; Femur Head Necrosis; Humans; Iloprost; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Syndrome

Bone marrow edema syndrome of the femoral head in pregnant women is a rare disease resulting in disabling coxalgia, beginning in the last 3 months of pregnancy and persisting for several months after parturition. The parenteral administration of the vasoactive drug iloprost constitutes a new approach to the treatment of painful bone marrow edema syndrome of the hip of pregnant women. Six postpartal women (8 hips) with bone marrow edema syndrome of the femoral head were treated with iloprost followed by 3 weeks of partial weight-bearing. Relief from pain, restoration of functional capacity, and normalization of the MRI signal pattern were rapidly achieved, thus avoiding the need for surgical intervention. As the substance is contraindicated in pregnancy, therapy may begin only some days after parturition, with a short discontinuation in breastfeeding.

Topics: Adult; Arthralgia; Bone Marrow Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Edema; Female; Femur Head; Follow-Up Studies; Hip Joint; Humans; Iloprost; Injections, Intravenous; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pilot Projects; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prospective Studies; Recovery of Function; Syndrome; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents

Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES) is a nontraumatic syndrome characterized by disabling joint pain. The disease occurs especially in the hip joint, and the ankle joint has been reported in the English-language literature to be affected only rarely. We describe here the case of an adult with BMES in both ankle joints. She has been treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy, as well as ankle arthroscopy, all of which have been unsuccessful. BMES was diagnosed on the basis of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The patient was treated with iloprost (Ilomedin; Schering AG, Berlin, Germany); the course of therapy consisted of 5 infusions of 40 microg of iloprost in 500 mL of sodium chloride solution, given over 6 hours on 5 consecutive days. MRI at the third monthly visit showed nearly complete resolution of bone marrow edema. The patient was followed for 2 years and 6 months and was completely asymptomatic. This case report suggests the need for orthopaedic surgeons to know about BMES. Before all-arthroscopic interventions are performed, MRI views should be evaluated carefully. Iloprost infusion therapy seems to be effective and safe in the management of BMES.

Topics: Adult; Ankle Joint; Arthroscopy; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Female; Humans; Iloprost; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Physical Therapy Modalities; Prostaglandins; Syndrome

Bone marrow edema (BME) is a common cause of pain of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of iloprost in the treatment of BME of different localizations and etiologies.. We reviewed 104 patients (54 male, 50 female) with BME. Their mean age was 52.8 +/- 14.7 years. BME was located 50 times in the knee, 19 times in the talus, 18 times in the femoral head and 17 times in other bones. Patients were allocated to three distinct etiological groups: 27 cases were estimated to have idiopathic BME, 16 post-traumatic BME and the other 61 BME secondary to activated osteoarthritis or mechanical stress. Therapy consisted of a series of five iloprost infusions with either 20, 25 or 50 microg of iloprost given over 6 hours on 5 consecutive days each.. At the clinical follow-up four months after therapy, the pain level of the 104 patients at rest had diminished by a mean of 73% (p<0.0001): 64% of patients reported a reduction, 34% no change and 2% an increase in pain at rest. Pain under stress decreased by a mean of 59%, (p<0.0001): 76% of patients had less pain during activity, 22% no change from baseline and 2% an increased pain level. On MRI, 65% had significant reduction of BME size or complete normalization and 20% showed no change. Worsening of the MRI pattern was found in 2%. 13% were lost to MRI follow-up. Side effects were significantly reduced by lowering the daily dose from 50 to 20 microg, without impairment of therapeutic effect.. The authors conclude that the use of parenteral iloprost might be a viable method in the treatment of BME of different etiologies.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bone Marrow Diseases; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Edema; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Iloprost; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Osteonecrosis; Pain; Retrospective Studies; Stress, Mechanical; Time Factors; Vasodilator Agents

The bone-marrow oedema syndrome is associated with local vascular disturbances and may be treated either conservatively or by core decompression after which recovery may take several weeks. We describe a 15-year-old girl with bone-marrow oedema of the left acetabulum which was confirmed by MRI. She presented with a four-week history of severe constant pain. Routine blood tests and plain radiographs were normal. She was treated with intravenous infusions of iloprost on five consecutive days (20 microg administered in 500 ml of sodium chloride). Iloprost causes vasodilatation with reduction of capillary permeability and it inhibits platelet aggregation. She had relief from pain at rest after three days of treatment and was completely free from symptoms after two weeks. MRI after six weeks showed almost complete resolution of the marrow oedema and was normal after four months. This is the first report of the pharmacological treatment of the bone-marrow oedema syndrome in children.

Topics: Adolescent; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Female; Hip Joint; Humans; Iloprost; Infusions, Intravenous; Syndrome; Vasodilator Agents

Bone marrow oedema syndrome of the talus is a rare cause of pain in the foot, with limited options for treatment. We reviewed six patients who had been treated with five infusions of 50 microg of iloprost given over six hours on five consecutive days. Full weight-bearing was allowed as tolerated. The foot score as described by Mazur et al was used to assess function before and at one, three and six months after treatment. The mean score improved from 58 to 93 points. Plain radiographs were graded according to the Mont score and showed grade-I lesions before and after treatment, indicating that no subchondral fracture or collapse had occurred. MRI showed complete resolution of the oedema within three months. We conclude that the parenteral administration of iloprost may be used in the treatment of this syndrome.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bone Marrow Diseases; Edema; Female; Foot Diseases; Humans; Iloprost; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Vasodilator Agents