A case of SAPHO syndrome: a DISH of radiological features to be considered

BackgroundThe acronym SAPHO stands for synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. It is a rare heterogenous disease with unknown etiology and a chronic relapsing and remitting course1. Its skin and osteoarticular manifestations including palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and synovitis may be transient which further complicate the diagnosis. So, awareness about all features of the syndrome throughout the time seems mandatory for correct diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary procedures.Case presentation.A case of SAPHO syndrome being reported in a middle-aged man who presented with bilateral PPP and exacerbation of back pain which developed shortly after covid-19 vaccine injection with a history of more than 20 years of inflammatory thoracic back pain and psoriasis vulgaris who initially had been worked up for metastatic bony lesions based on radiologic studies, irrespective of his skin lesions. The patient had good response to alendronate 70 mg weekly and celecoxib 200 mg BID without aggravation of existing skin lesions or new psoriatic lesions.ConclusionThis case report aims to inform rheumatologists and radiologists about various radiologic and dermatologic manifestations of SAPHO syndrome with emphasizing on taking into consideration of past and present skin lesions in the interpretation of the radiologic signs in order to prevent irrelevant procedures or hazardous imaging and to urge rheumatology societies to set up a SAPHO registry for future randomized controlled trials. Suggestion of PPP responsiveness to NSAIDs as a new potential diagnostic tool for SAPHO diagnosis is another goal. It also aims to point out the possible coexistence of SAPHO and SpA or DISH syndrome.

Single-center survey of biologic use for inflammatory skin diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected both daily life and medical care; therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the use of biologics for inflammatory skin diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in our hospital. The observation period was between 1 January 2020 and 23 February 2021. In this study, we enrolled 227 patients with psoriasis, six patients with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP), 69 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and five patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Bioswitch was performed in 25 patients with psoriasis (11.0%). Biologics were discontinued in 14 patients with psoriasis (6.2%), 10 patients with AD (14.5%), and four patients with HS (80.0%); they were not discontinued in patients with PPP. The introduction of biologics was observed in 27 patients with psoriasis (11.9%), four patients with PPP (66.7%), 33 patients with AD (47.8%), and two patients with HS (40.0%). The use of telephone consultations was observed in four patients with psoriasis and two patients with AD. One patient, who received adalimumab for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, suffered from COVID-19 and recovered after a mild course. In conclusion, we report our experience regarding the use of biologic drugs for inflammatory skin diseases. The use of biologics seemed safe for use amidst COVID-19 infection during the observation period; however, further observation on a larger number of patients is required to confirm the risks and benefits of biologic use in the COVID-19 era.

Colchicine in Dermatology: Rediscovering an Old Drug with Novel Uses.

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory agent which has been used for decades in the treatment of gout. The drug has a number of dermatological indications like Psoriasis, Sweet's syndrome, aphthosis, Behcet's disease, erythema nodosum, leukocytoclastic vasculitis and is consistently effective in neutrophilic disorders. Thought it is an affordable with minimal side effects, It has remained underutilized. However, it has novel uses and is being considered in COVID-19 due to its action on IL-1ß and IL-6. This article presents a concise and up-to-date review focusing on its mechanisms of action and indications.