SAPHO syndrome: study of 16 cases

The SAPHO syndrome is characterized by synovitis, acne, palmo-plantar pustu losis, hyperostosis and osteitis. SAPHO syndrome has been occasionally desc ribed in Spain. We present our experience of 16 cases with the SAPHO syndro me diagnosed between 1984-1995, The predominant clinical symptoms were: ant erior thoracic pain (14 cases), sacroiliac pain (7 cases) and peripheral ar thritis (2 cases). Cutaneous involvement was characterized by palmo-plantar pustulosis (8 cases) acne (3 cases) and psoriasis (2 cases). The histocomp atibility antigen B27 was negative in all cases. A computarized tomographic study revealed involvement of sternocosto-clavicular and manubrio-sternal joints (14 cases) and sacroilitis (8 cases).