SAPHO syndrome in childhood. A case report.

The acronym of SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) combines a cluster of cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations, such as hyperostosis of bones of the anterior chest wall associated with acne fulminans and hidradenitis suppurativa. There are no validated diagnostic criteria in children. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not always sufficient, and the use of corticosteroids, disease-modifying agents, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors or bisphosphonates may be necessary. We present the case of a child with polyarticular involvement, osteoarthritis of the sternoclavicular joint with severe inflammatory disorders and acne conglobata, with an excellent response to intravenous pamidronate.