A case of SAPHO (synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteomyelitis) syndrome in which [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was useful for differentiating from multiple metastatic bone tumors

Mod Rheumatol. 2007;17(1):67-71. doi: 10.1007/s10165-006-0536-9. Epub 2007 Feb 20.

Abstract

We report the case of a 50-year-old Japanese woman with SAPHO (synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteomyelitis) syndrome. Radiographs showed osteosclerosis of the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, as well as osteosclerosis and osteolysis of the right femoral neck, resembling multiple metastatic bony lesions. Arriving at a diagnosis required hematological and imaging tests. Whole-body bone scintigraphy identified diffuse uptake from the lower cervical vertebrae to the lumbar vertebrae and marked uptake in the right femoral neck. However, with [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([(18)F]FDG-PET) scanning, abnormal [(18)F]FDG uptake was not detected in cervical and lumbar spine, or in the femoral neck. Bone biopsy showed signs of chronic nonspecific inflammation, rather than tumor or infection. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome unaccompanied by skin lesions, and administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provided pain relief.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteolysis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteosclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiography
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18