Periostitis associated with myelofibrosis

Two patients with myelofibrosis developed fever, leg pain and periostitis. The first patient had myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia and was symptomatic for months before x-rays showed periosteal new bone formation in the lower extremities. He subsequently developed periostitis of both upper extremities. Radiation of the lower extremities resulted in significant pain relief. The second patient had a past history of polycythemia vera and experienced painful periostitis of the tibiae and fibulae. 99mTechnetium pyrophosphate bone scans showed increased uptake in the involved bones in both patients. Asymptomatic or painful periostitis may be related to the increased bone blood flow associated with myelofibrosis. Radiation can afford successful palliation in the severely symptomatic patient.