Imaging aspects of maxillomandibular bone alterations in patients with multiple myeloma treated with bisphosphonates: A systematic review

• Published in: Imaging science in dentistry Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 221 - 231
• Main Authors: Gonzaga, Amanda Katarinny Goes, Morais, Hannah Gil de Farias, Oliveira, Camila Dayla Melo, Campos, Magda Lyce Rodrigues, Diaz, Carolina Raiane Leite Dourado Maranhão, Custódio, Marcos, Andrade, Natália Silva, Santana, Thalita
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 01-09-2024; 대한영상치의학회
• Subjects: Review; 치의학; Diagnostic Imaging; Bisphosphonate; Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw; Multiple Myeloma
• ISSN: 2233-7822; 2233-7830
• DOI: 10.5624/isd.20240032

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare cancer that is typically managed with bisphosphonates to slow bone resorption and prevent skeletal complications. This study aimed to identify imaging patterns in MM patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy.
This systematic review included studies investigating maxillomandibular bone alterations based on imaging examinations in MM patients treated with bisphosphonates. The selected studies were qualitatively assessed using the Critical Appraisal Tools from SUMARI.
Six studies, involving 669 MM patients, were included, with 447 receiving bisphosphonate treatment. The majority were treated with pamidronate, zoledronate, or a combination of both. Seventy patients developed medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), predominantly in the mandible, characterized by the presence of bony sequestrum, bone sclerosis, increased periodontal ligament space, osteolytic lesions, and osteomyelitis as observed in imaging analyses. For non-MRONJ lesions, the mandible also exhibited the highest frequency of asymptomatic bone alterations. These ranged from "punched-out" osteolytic lesions or "soap bubble" lesions to solitary bone lesions, areas of bone sclerosis, abnormalities of the hard palate, osteoporosis, non-healed alveoli, and cortical bone rupture.
MM patients treated with bisphosphonates display radiographic patterns of maxillomandibular bone lesions. These patterns aid in diagnosis and facilitate early and targeted treatment, thereby contributing to improved morbidity outcomes for these patients.