From Sternocostoclavicular Hyperostosis (SCCH) to SAPHO Syndrome

In the early seventies isolated Sternocostoclavicular Hyperostosis (SCCH) was described as a persistent painful swelling of the sternum, clavicles and upper ribs. A few years later associations with skin lesions were reported and SCCH was suggested as a part of psoriatic spondylarthritis. Then, different terms such as pustulotic arthro-osteitis and others were used. In 1987 a French national survey proposed the term SAPHO syndrome, standing for synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis. This term has proven to be useful till now to describe these osteoarticular disorders with associated skin lesions, showing a chronic relapsing course, heterogenic clinical features and different etiologies.