[Backache and palmar eczema (SAPHO syndrome)].
METHODS
A 63-year-old female painter was referred for evaluation of the cause of persistent back pain, night sweat and an elevated blood sedimentation rate. Besides, she reported recurrent, probably "atopic eczema" of both hands. Clinical examination revealed midthoracic back pain but no actual skin lesions.


METHODS
Contrast medium-enhanced magnetic resonance tomography of the spine showed an increased signal intensity of the thoracic vertebral bodies 6 - 10 and the prevertebral soft tissue in T1-weighted images with fat suppression. The finding was considered to be suspicious for malignant neoplasia. Despite performing various diagnostic tests, neither a malignant nor an infectious process of the spine could be diagnosed.


METHODS
In-depth evaluation of history and clinical findings gave the diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis).


CONCLUSIONS
The intention of this case report is to demonstrate, once more, the importance of carefully taking a patient's history and fully evaluating the clinical findings.
Witzig
M
M
Departement für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Poliklinik, Universitätspital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Bützberger
St
S
Caravatti
M
M
Furrer
J
J
Schulthess
G
G
D020083:Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D019386:Alendronate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004008:Diclofenac; D019386:Alendronate