Long-term methotrexate (MTX) treatment can cause MTX-related lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). We experienced a case of MTX-LPD that was associated with severe osteonecrosis of the jaw mimicking medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The patient was an 81-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who was treated with MTX and bisphosphonate. After 7 years, she was referred to our department for the assessment of giant ulcer and exposure of the alveolar bone of the left maxilla. Histopathological and immunological analyses confirmed a diagnosis of MTX-LPD. At seven months after the cessation of MTX treatment, the ulcerative and necrotic lesions had markedly decreased in size. A 1-year follow-up examination showed no evidence of recurrence and good RA control.
Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus; lymphoma; medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw; methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disorder; rheumatoid arthritis.