What is SAPHO syndrome?

This syndrome combines synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. It is a disorder characterized by noninfectious osteoarticular inflammatory lesions and a variety of skin abnormalities demonstrating aseptic, neutrophilrich pseudoabscesses. In adults, chronic multifocal osteomyelitis is a classic manifestation. Skin findings include palmoplantar or other forms of pustulosis, severe acne, or psoriasis. The acne associated with this syndrome is most often acne conglobata, with highly inflammatory comedones, nodules, abscesses, and draining sinuses located primarily on the trunk, which often heal with significant scarring.

Magrey M, Kahn MA: New insights into synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome, Curr Rheumatol Rep 11:329–333, 2009.