SAPHO syndrome--a pictorial assay

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Orthopedics
• Dermatology

Background:

• SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) syndrome is a complex condition affecting musculoskeletal and skin systems.
• While known to rheumatologists for its skin and joint issues, it's underrepresented in orthopedic literature.
• It can be misdiagnosed as infection, tumors, or other inflammatory arthropathies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of recognizing SAPHO syndrome in orthopedic settings.
• To emphasize characteristic clinical findings, particularly anterior chest wall pain.
• To discuss the role of imaging in diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges of SAPHO syndrome.
• Emphasis on characteristic anterior chest wall pain.
• Discussion of imaging modalities for identifying disease extent.

Main Results:

• Anterior chest wall pain at sternoclavicular and sternocostal joints is a key diagnostic indicator.
• Imaging aids in evaluating abnormalities and detecting subclinical polyostotic involvement.
• Diagnosis may require differentiating from mimics like infection or tumors.

Conclusions:

• SAPHO syndrome requires increased awareness in orthopedic practice due to its potential mimicry of other conditions.
• Characteristic anterior chest pain is a crucial diagnostic clue.
• Imaging is vital for comprehensive assessment and management planning.