Bone imaging of sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis in palmoplantar pustulosis

Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis is a rare syndrome that is characterized by hyperostosis and soft tissue ossification between the clavicles and the anterior part of the upper ribs. This syndrome frequently is found in the case of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), especially in Japan. There have been few published reports, however, of Tc-99m MDP bone imaging findings in PPP. Eleven patients with PPP who were suspected to have sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis were studied with Tc-99m MDP whole body bone imaging. Bone images were abnormal in 11 patients. Abnormal radionuclide concentrations were observed in the sternoclavicular, sternocostal, and manubriosternal joints, in the ribs, and in the sternum. Whole body imaging revealed radionuclide accumulations unexpectedly in other bones such as the vertebrae, femur, tibia, or sacroiliac joints in five of 11 cases. Radiographs were available in nine patients. Three chest radiographs were negative, and six showed various degrees of hyperostosis or sclerotic changes in sternoclavicular, sternocostal, or manubriosternal joints, or in the sternum or anterior upper ribs. These bone lesions usually were more prominent and more easily recognized with bone scintigraphy. Bone scintigraphy should be used as a routine procedure in patients with PPP who are suspected to have sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis.