Iliac vein thrombosis complicating SAPHO syndrome: MRI and histologic features of soft tissue lesions

SAPHO syndrome complicated by multiple venous thrombosis of left lower limb: A case report and literature review

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is an uncommon clinical syndrome with the signs of skin problems and osteoarthropathy as its main features. The pathogenesis of SAPHO syndrome has not been fully elucidated, and multiple complications may be present, including thrombosis. A 39-year-old male patient was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome, complicated by multiple venous thrombosis of the left lower limb. We conducted a brief review of the current available literature on thrombosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome and speculated that the presence of lower extremity thrombosis in this patient with SAPHO syndrome may be related to physiological structure or antiphospholipid syndrome. Whether positive lupus anticoagulant has an effect on thrombosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome remains to be investigated.

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome - A challenging diagnosis not to be missed

SAPHO syndrome manifests as chronic inflammation of bones and joints, which may or may not be accompanied by skin changes. The term SAPHO is an acronym that stands for synovitis, acne, pustulosis (usually palmoplantar), hyperostosis and osteitis. The bones most commonly affected are those in the anterior chest wall (mainly the sternum, clavicles and sternocostoclavicular joints), the vertebrae and the sacroiliac joints, but peripheral and flat bones may also be involved, especially in children. There are no validated diagnostic criteria for SAPHO, and diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological findings. One of the main challenges in diagnosis is that the clinical features may occur many years apart. Additionally, patients may not develop all manifestations. Delayed diagnosis, as a result of a lack of awareness of SAPHO, can lead to patients suffering ongoing pain and disfiguring skin manifestations. One theory is that Propionibacterium acnes (isolated from bone biopsies in many SAPHO patients) triggers an auto-immune mediated chronic inflammation in genetically predisposed individuals. Treatment involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular steroids, bisphosphonates and biologicals. The course of SAPHO is often prolonged but, despite the challenges in diagnosis and treatment, the long-term prognosis is good.

Bilateral Subclavian Vein Occlusion in a SAPHO Syndrome Patient Who Needed an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

A 79-year-old Asian man was hospitalized because of progressive exertional dyspnea with decreasing left ventricular ejection fraction and frequent non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Pre-procedure venography for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation showed occlusion of the bilateral subclavian veins. In consideration of subcutaneous humps in the sterno-clavicular area and palmoplantar pustulosis, we diagnosed him as having synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome and speculated that it induced peri-osteal chronic inflammation in the sterno-clavicular area, resulting in occlusion of the adjacent bilateral subclavian veins. An automatic external defibrillator (AED) was installed in the patient's house and total subcutaneous ICD was considered. Venous thrombosis in SAPHO syndrome is not frequent but has been reported. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral subclavian vein occlusion in a SAPHO syndrome patient who needs ICD implantation.

SAPHO syndrome

SAPHO syndrome is a disorder characterized by Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, and Osteitis. As the osteoarticular and skin manifestations often do not occur simultaneously and there are no validated diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis can be difficult. Clinical and imaging investigation is necessary to establish the many differential diagnoses of SAPHO syndrome. The etiopathogenesis involves infectious (probably Propionibacterium acnes), immunologic, and genetic factors. Treatment is based on information gathered from case reports and small series, and is related to specific skin or articular symptoms.

Synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome complicated by seven pulmonary emboli in a 15-year old patient

SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) syndrome represents a spectrum of various dermatologic and musculoskeletal conditions. Thromboses have infrequently been reported in SAPHO syndrome, most often in the subclavian vein. There have been no reported cases of pulmonary emboli associated with SAPHO. We report a case of a young patient with SAPHO syndrome who later presented with extensive iliofemoral deep vein thromboses and seven pulmonary emboli.

[Risk of venous thromboembolism in acute medical illnesses. Part 2: Situations at risk in ambulatory, hospital and internal medicine settings]

PURPOSE

The increased risk of thromboembolism in acute medical illnesses (AMI) is difficult to assess because of the diversity of medical conditions. The first part of this review of the literature was dedicated to methods of risk analysis based on our current pathophysiological knowledge. This second part describes more specifically the risk of venous thrombosis linked to AMI in hospital, ambulatory and internal medicine settings.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

The incidence of venous thromboembolism is higher in hospital than in ambulatory setting, albeit the latter remains significant. Stroke and affections leading to intensive care management represent conditions at great risk. Several mechanisms leading to a prothrombotic state have been identified, explaining the increased risk observed during relapses of pathologies specifically treated in internal medicine such as lupus erythematosus, Wegener granulomatosis, inflammatory bowel diseases and Behcet's disease.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

Next to the pathophysiological understanding of venous thrombosis, the assessment of the specific thrombogenic burden of an AMI is an additive tool to screen medical patients at high risk. This systematic review of the literature shows uncertainties towards some risk factors as bedrest or acute inflammatory response. Taking into account the methodological difficulties inherent to prospective and epidemiological studies, a meta-analysis focusing on these factors would be useful to refine prevention guidelines for venous thromboembolism in medical setting.

A hidradenitis suppurativa related SAPHO case associated with features resembling spondylarthropathy and proteinuria

We present a 53-year-old man with synovitis-acne-palmoplantar pustulosis-hyperosteosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome who is HLA-B27 positive with a history of uveitis and complicated by proteinuria and osteoporosis. Interesting, yet unreported features of SAPHO syndrome and the etiology of proteinuria are further discussed.