DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2023.v09i05.033

Pages: 556-558

Introduction: Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is an acronym for a variety of osteoarticular and dermatologic manifestations. Although the incidence and prevalence are probably underestimated, the syndrome is considered rare. Observation: A 45-year-old female patient, without any particular pathological history, presented with anterior chest pain, spinal pain and palmar pustulosis. The symptoms had been evolving for six months, in a context of apyrexia and conservation of the general state. The diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome was retained in view of the young age, the clinical presentation and the axial osteoarticular involvement on imaging. In addition, bone scintigraphy objectified the "bull's head sign". Discussion: The osteoarticular manifestations of SAPHO syndrome are characterized by osteosclerosis, hyperostosis, erosions, synovitis and synostosis. Some locations, especially the anterior chest wall, and some topographical associations are very suggestive. Clinical symptoms are non-specific, hence the interest of imaging. CT is the modality of choice to determine the extent of osteoarticular lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging has an important place. It allows to establish a correlation between the stage of the disease and the clinical symptoms. Conclusion: Knowledge of clinical manifestations and radiological features allows for early diagnosis and prevention of osteoarticular progression.