Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease has been associated with a number of cutaneous and systemic neutrophilic disorders, including pyoderma gangrenosum. In 1972, the term chronic multi-focal recurrent osteomyelitis was given to a sterile neutrophilic condition which has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Case report: We report a case of a 23-year-old man with long-standing severe Crohn's disease which necessitated subtotal colectomy. He subsequently developed progressive, intermittent back pain that were limiting his functional movement. Numerous investigations to identify what initially was thought to be an infectious process failed to lead to the diagnosis. Biopsy of the spine identified a sterile neutrophilic infiltrate and the diagnosis of chronic recurrent multi-focal osteomyelitis was made which was successfully treated with immunosuppressive drugs.
Conclusion: Inflammatory bowel disease can present with cutaneous and systemic neutrophilic disorders and this association is becoming increasingly recognized by gastroenterologists and dermatologists. Chronic recurrent multi-focal osteomyelitis is a sterile neutrophilic disorder which can present with bone pain and responds to immunosuppressive therapy.