Spinal changes in association with sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis

A case of sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis was reported in a 63-year-old woman who had been followed for 15 years. Radiographic changes in the claviculo-sternal area were typical of this condition, and biopsy revealed abnormalities in the right clavicle and in the sternum compatible with infection. Radiographic changes in the thoracic and lumbar spine revealed findings compatible with infective spondylitis and a seronegative spondylarthropathy, respectively. The nature of these spinal changes as compared with those of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and seronegative spondylarthropathy is discussed.