Xanthogranulomatous Osteomyelitis Masquerading as Neoplasm in a Rare Site

Abstract

Background: Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a chronic inflammation characterized by the presence of foamy macrophages. It mimics malignancy on radiological investigations. Histopathology plays a major role in its diagnosis and a game changer in treatment part. Case Report: A case of 22 year old female presented to orthopaedics outpatient department with pain over left fourth finger since 7 months with no history of trauma. Her blood investigations revealed elevated levels of ESR and CRP. MRI showed features of malignancy (Enchondroma). Patient was then proceeded with curettage and bone grafting. Histopathological examination confirmed it to be Xanthogranulomatous osteomyelitis. Conclusion: Our case has been presented for its rarity in incidence and site of presentation, also to insist the importance of histopathological examination in any suspicious bony swelling that mimic malignancy in radiological investigation which changes the course of treatment.

Keywords

• xanthogranulomatous inflammation
• osteomyelitis
• malignancy