Propionibacterium acnes and SAPHO syndrome: a case report and literature review

CER3033
2007 Vol.25, N°3
PI 0457, PF 0460
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PMID: 17631745 [PubMed]

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
To describe the presence of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in a series of patients with SAPHO syndrome in which a bone biopsy has been carried out and to discuss the results comparing them to the data described in the literature.
METHODS:
In 6 out of 56 patients with SAPHO syndrome, a bone biopsy from osteitic lesion was carried out. This invasive investigation was performed only in those cases in which it was necessary to clarify the diagnosis.
RESULTS:
Of the 6 biopsies processed, P. acnes was isolated in only one case. No other infectious agents were identified.
CONCLUSIONS:
P. acnes is not often found in bone lesions of SAPHO syndrome. A bone biopsy may represent a procedure useful for corroborating the diagnosis or for excluding other diseases only in specific cases.