Secondary syphilis presenting as SAPHO syndrome features

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2008 Nov-Dec;26(6):1119-21.

Abstract

The SAPHO syndrome may evolve following low virulent infections. This report describes a patient who developed a clinical syndrome that complied with the formal diagnostic criteria of the SAPHO following an infection with syphilis. His clinical manifestations gradually resolved following antibiotic therapy. This interesting association underlines the pathogenic circumstances linking infections and various rheumatic conditions. It is less evident whether resolution of the symptoms was ascribed to the eradication of the bacteria or perhaps due to cessation of the auto-inflammatory reaction to the infection induced. In our description we suggest a correlation between infection with Treponema pallidum and the induction of SAPHO syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Adult
  • Antitreponemal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone and Bones / microbiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Syphilis / complications*
  • Syphilis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Syphilis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitreponemal Agents