Postpartum lumbopelvic pain could be SAPHO syndrome: a case report

Background Synovitis–acne–pustulosis–hyperostosis–osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder. The involvement of spinal and sacroiliac joint in SAPHO syndrome closely resembles the manifestations of postpartum lumbopelvic pain (LPP). Case presentation We report a case of a patient whose primary symptom was postpartum LPP, with recurrent episodes lasting 10 months without relief. Unexpectedly, she was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome in the 11 th month when she sought medical attention for severe palmoplantar pustulosis rather than LPP. After combined treatment with Tofacitinib citrate tablets and Etoricoxib tablets, all the pain symptoms disappeared. Conclusion For postpartum patients with concurrent palmoplantar scaling and recurrent LPP unresponsive to treatment, clinicians should consider SAPHO syndrome as a potential diagnosis.