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SAPHO Syndrome

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

What is SAPHO syndrome?

SAPHO syndrome is a chronic disorder that involves the skin, bone, and joints. SAPHO is an eponym for the combination of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis.

Synovitis means inflammation of the joint lining (synovium). Typically, this is manifests as warmth, tenderness, pain, swelling, and stiffness of involved joints (arthritis).

Acne is a skin condition featuring tiny areas of inflammation with pus formation at the hair follicles. Acne occurs most commonly on the face and upper back.

Pustulosis is a very inflammatory skin condition resulting in large fluid-filled blister-like areas (pustules), typically on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. The skin of these areas peels and flakes (exfoliates).

Hyperostosis means abnormal excessive growth of bone. The hyperostosis of the SAPHO syndrome frequently is located at the points of the bone where tendons attach.

Osteitis means inflammation of the bone. Patients with SAPHO syndrome can develop inflammation of the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis) as well as inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) which leads to stiffness and pain of the neck and back.



Next: Is SAPHO syndrome related to other joint conditions? »

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