PROPIONIBACTERIUM-ACNES ISOLATED FROM STERNAL OSTEITIS IN A PATIENT WITH SAPHO SYNDROME

A woman presented with palmar pustulosis and deep chest pain in associ ation with osteitic lesions in the lower part of the sternum. Propioni bacterium acnes was isolated and grew in pure culture from 6 surgicall y obtained bone specimens. The patient received clindamycin treatment for 6 months. Synovitis in both her wrists persisted and, based on a c linical suspicion of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, she was treate d with intramuscular gold and methotrexate with no apparent benefit. S ubsequently, she was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, p ustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteomyelitis). Our patient provides furt her data on the potential. association between P. acnes and SAPHO synd rome.