SAPHO Syndrome Mimicking Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Challenging Presentation

Abstract

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by typical skin lesions and aseptic osteoarticular involvement. Difficulties arise in diagnosing SAPHO syndrome due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation. A challenging case is presented involving a patient with chest pain and multiple bone lesions initially suspicious for metastatic breast cancer, in which the magnetic resonance imaging findings of bone marrow edema and osteitis were crucial to differentiate SAPHO from metastatic disease. The importance of a rigorous evaluation, advanced imaging, and a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing SAPHO syndrome is emphasized.

Cite this article as: Jaimes-Reyes MA, Persaud K, Jelinek J, Constantinescu F. SAPHO syndrome mimicking metastatic breast cancer: A challenging presentation. Eur J Rheumatol. 2025, 12(3), 0036, doi: 10.5152/ eurjrheum.2025.24036.