Fatal infectious encephalitis as a complication of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Abstract

We present a unique case of bacterial encephalitis in a 79-year-old female due to progression of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The occurrence of this life-threatening neurologic condition following the expansion of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is an extremely rare finding, and we know of no other previously reported cases. The case history, differential diagnosis, proposed mechanism and management of this fatal complication is discussed.

Keywords

• Osteonecrosis
• Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw
• Infectious encephalitis
• Neurologic manifestations