Acne with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis involving the mandible as part of the SAPHO syndrome:: case report

For 12 years, a 26-year-old man had acne conglobata and a non-suppurative diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible as part of a chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis of the sternum, the pelvic bones, and the femoral head, and aseptic arthritis of the knee, the fibulotalar, and the sternoclavicular joints. This fulfills the formal criteria of the SAPHO syndrome. Repeated surgical and antibiotic treatment combined with hyperbaric oxygen caused partial improvement. Complete relief and partial disappearance of the scintigraphic lesions was achieved with long-term corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, minocycline, and isotretinoin. (C) 2001 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.