Stellate ganglion block in the treatment of SAPHO syndrome: A case report

Mod Rheumatol Case Rep. 2024 Jul 8;8(2):361-364. doi: 10.1093/mrcr/rxae008.

Abstract

Synovitis, acne, palmoplantar pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare and refractory autoinflammatory disease, and there is no consensus on its treatment. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) blocks sympathetic nerves, ameliorates immune dysfunction, and alleviates stress response, which has been used to treat various chronic pain syndromes, arrhythmias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Also, the SGB has been reported to be successfully used to treat certain skin diseases, autoinflammatory diseases, and menopausal symptoms. In this study, over 3 years of follow-up, we found that SGB successfully intervened the symptoms of SAPHO syndrome, including sternoclavicular joint arthritis and palmoplantar pustulosis.

Keywords: SAPHO syndrome; palmoplantar pustulosis; stellate ganglion block; sternoclavicular joint arthritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome* / therapy
  • Autonomic Nerve Block* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Stellate Ganglion*
  • Treatment Outcome