Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, and Osteitis Syndrome – A Pictorial Review

Abstract

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) is an acronym which encompasses SAPHO. SAPHO is a distinct clinical syndrome which involves the musculoskeletal and dermatological systems. The clinical presentation can be variable, and therefore, patients may present to non-specialists who are not familiar with the disease. It is, therefore, important for the radiologist to be aware of the imaging manifestations of SAPHO; as often, it is them who are the first to propose the diagnosis. Imaging allows differentiation of SAPHO from other disease processes such as inflammatory arthropathy, infection, and malignancy which can share similar features and also to demonstrate potentially subclinical areas of disease involvement. Treatment is empirical and aimed at symptom control and modifying the inflammatory process. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first-line agents. The disease has a good long-term prognosis, despite the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.