TITLE:
Cutaneous Manifestations of Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome: A Dermatologic-Orthopedic Correlation
AUTHORS:
Daniela Rizzo, Janae Rasmussen, Milana Stein, Ceilia Severini, Yanick Tade, David Matatov, Devri Langelm, Kelly Frasier
KEYWORDS:
Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome, Cutaneous Manifestations, Microvascular Compromise, MRI Diagnosis, Pro-Inflammatory Mediators, Dermatologic-Orthopedic Correlation
JOURNAL NAME:
Modern Research in Inflammation,
Vol.14 No.1,
February
19,
2025
ABSTRACT: Bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES), is a rare and self-limiting condition characterized by localized bone pain and transient marrow edema visible on MRI. BMES has been increasingly associated with specific cutaneous manifestations that may hold diagnostic and prognostic significance. Patients with BMES have reported localized erythema, dermal thickening, and induration overlying the affected joints, which are hypothesized to reflect microvascular compromise and inflammatory processes within the bone and adjacent soft tissues. Dermatologic signs are likely linked to regional hyperemia, venous stasis, and cytokine-mediated inflammation, paralleling the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying intraosseous edema. Elevated intraosseous pressure in BMES may disrupt local perfusion, resulting in ischemia-reperfusion injury and subsequent vascular leakage, which manifests in visible cutaneous changes. Pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1β and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), central to BMES pathogenesis, may exacerbate endothelial activation, and dermal involvement. Histopathologic studies of affected skin have revealed perivascular lymphocytic infiltration and increased dermal vascularity, further supporting the theory of a shared ischemic and inflammatory pathway between bone and skin. Although MRI remains the gold standard for BMES diagnosis, recognition of these cutaneous manifestations could expedite orthopedic referral and intervention, especially in cases where imaging is delayed or symptoms are ambiguous. Current treatment options, including bisphosphonates, prostacyclin analogs, and offloading of weight bearing, may benefit from integration with dermatologic strategies to alleviate localized cutaneous symptoms and improve patient comfort. Evaluating the molecular and vascular links between BMES and its cutaneous manifestations provides an opportunity to refine diagnostic protocols and therapeutic approaches, offering a comprehensive understanding of the systemic interplay between dermal and skeletal pathophysiology, and optimizing clinical outcomes for patients affected by BMES.