Bisphosphonates are drugs used to treat osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, including osteoporosis, Paget disease, multiple myeloma, cancer-related osteolysis, and malignant hypercalcemia. The use of these drugs has increased in recent years as have their complications, especially bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), which more frequently affects the mandible. Here we report a case of BRONJ with a particularly unfavorable course due to cervical inflammation that developed into necrotizing fasciitis, followed by multiorgan involvement leading to septic shock and death.
Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw* ; Bone Resorption ; Diphosphonates ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing ; Hypercalcemia ; Inflammation ; Jaw Fractures ; Mandible ; Multiple Myeloma ; Osteolysis ; Osteoporosis ; Sepsis ; Shock, Septic