Voriconazole-induced periostitis post transplant: an illustrative review of thoracic computed tomography imaging manifestations

Spectrum of voriconazole-associated periostitis in clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management

PURPOSE

Previous knowledge about the relationship between voriconazole exposure and periostitis was mainly based on limited case reports and few retrospective studies. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management of voriconazole-associated periostitis.

METHODS

Case reports and case series from 1998 to November 30, 2021 on periostitis induced by voriconazole were collected for retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

Forty four patients (18 male and 26 female) from 34 studies were included in total. The median age was 58 years (29-74). The majority of patients had undergone organ transplantation (50.0%) or suffered from hematologic malignancy (31.81%). The median onset time of symptoms was 6 months after the start of voriconazole. The most common initial symptom was diffuse skeletal pain (68.28%) which can be severe and even disabling (66.7%). Ribs (37.21%), femurs (32.56%), scapulae (25.58%), humerus (23.26%), and clavicle (23.26%) were the common involved locations. Most cases were accompanied by different degrees of elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and fluoride level, while some presented with elevated bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. The main radiological features included periosteal reaction and multifocal high radiotracer uptake on bone scintigraphy. The formation of new bone was characterized with bilateral, irregular, nodular, as well as high density. The resolution of symptoms was observed with discontinuation of voriconazole in all patients, of whom 18 patients (52.94%) were relieved within a week. Itraconazole, posaconazole or isavuconazole were safe alternatives to voriconazole in voriconazole-induced periostitis.

CONCLUSION

Voriconazole-induced periostitis is an infrequent complication characterized by bone inflammation involving one or multiple skeletal areas. Bony pain, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase as well as fluoride level are suspicious signs during voriconazole treatment.

Voriconazole-associated periostitis presenting as hypertrophic osteoarthropathy following lung transplantation report of two cases and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a syndrome characterized by abnormal proliferation of skin and osseous tissue frequently associated with underlying pulmonary disorders. Cardinal features include digital clubbing, periostitis and significant joint and bone pain. A number of recent reports have emerged of HOA and periostitis occurring in association with the antifungal agent voriconazole.

METHODS

We present two additional cases of voriconazole-induced HOA and periostitis in lung transplant recipients with a review the medical literature.

RESULTS

In both cases, symptoms were painful and severe enough to require opioid medication. Rapid improvement occurred within days of voriconazole cessation. A review of existing literature revealed an additional 17 cases of voriconazole-induced HOA and periostitis in lung transplant patients.

CONCLUSION

We highlight the importance of recognizing the association of voriconazole with painful HOA and periostitis in lung transplant patients receiving antifungal therapy. Management of this painful condition involves cessation of voriconazole therapy, which may necessitate alternative anti-fungal drug therapies as well as adjustment of immunosuppressive drug dosage since voriconazole is a strong drug-inducer.

Spectrum of Voriconazole-Induced Periostitis With Review of the Differential Diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

Voriconazole is an antifungal medication used primarily for the treatment of Candida and Aspergillus infections. A fairly newly described side effect of long-term voriconazole use is periostitis. The purpose of this article is to describe the main differential consideration-hypertrophic osteoarthropathy-and other differential diagnoses, including venous stasis, thyroid acropachy, and hypervitaminosis A.

CONCLUSION

With knowledge of imaging appearance, clinical manifestations, and outcomes, radiologists can make an accurate diagnosis of voriconazole-induced periostitis, and clinical teams can initiate appropriate management.