Infliximab can induce a prolonged clinical remission and a decrease in thyroid hormonal requirements in a patient with SAPHO syndrome and hypothyroidism

Abstract

SAPHO syndrome is a rare entity that compromises the skeletal system (arthritis-osteitis) and is associated with various dermatological conditions such as palmoplantaris pustulosis (PPP) and acne. We present the case of a 39-year-old man with invalidating arthritis derived from a SAPHO syndrome and hypothyroidism (after radioiodine treatment for a Graves' disease). Due to the severity and refractoriness of his disease, we decided to use infliximab. He showed a prompt and prolonged response of his joint and cutaneous manifestations after three doses of a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) blocker. Interestingly, he also decreased his levothyroxine requirements after TNF-alpha blockade therapy.