Thrombosis of the subclavian vein in SAPHO syndrome. A case-report.

ABSTRACT

The hallmark of SAPHO Syndrome (Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, Osteitis) is osteitis of the anterior chest wall, which can be so pronounced as to cause thoracic outlet syndrome, thrombosis of the subclavian vein, and compression of the superior vena cava. Suggestive skin manifestations, namely palmoplantar pustulosis and severe acne, generally antedate the bone and joint lesions. We report a case of SAPHO syndrome that went unrecognized for many years and eventually caused compression and thrombosis of the right subclavian vein requiring cleidectomy. SAPHO syndrome should be considered in every patients with anterior chest wall inflammation, particularly when skin lesions are also present.