Study of combined technetium 99m methylene diphosphonate and gallium 67 citrate scintigraphy in diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible: Case reports

Diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible (DSO) is characterized by sclerotic changes affecting large areas of the jaw. Repeated episodes, which include pain, tenderness, or trismus, are associated with relatively long periods of remission lasting from months to years. Many aspects of DSO have been reported; however, the etiology is not clearly understood. It is believed that a weakened host resistance to bacteria may be the cause. Jacobsson considers Propionibacterium acnes and Peptostreptococcus intermedius to be of etiological importance in DSO. (DBO)