Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) is a syndrome that combines dermatological, articular and osseous inflammatory manifestations. Bilateral laryngeal immobility relative to cricoarytenoid joint origin is very uncommon. This article presents a case of bilateral cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis in a SAPHO syndrome context.
A 53-year-old patient presenting with a two year history of intermittent bouts of dyspnea. A SAPHO syndrome was discussed on repeated thoracic CT-scan. The link between dyspnea and SAPHO syndrome had not been made immediately given the absence of any known anteriority. However, having ruled out other etiologies and after having had to perform a tracheotomy due a worsening of the respiratory condition, this diagnosis was considered. Treatment by corticosteroids and infliximab permitted a clinical improvement of the patient.
This clinical case report should increase awareness of possible cricoarytenoid joint involvement in SAPHO.