A case of SAPHO syndrome complicated by uveitis with good response to etanercept, a TNF inhibitor

Introduction and importance: SAPHO syndrome is a rare syndrome that includes several manifestations, including synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis, which makes diagnosing and treating this condition a great challenge for doctors. Uveitis is a rare presentation, but SAPHO syndrome is considered a part of the spondyloarthropathies, so it seems logical to find a correlation between SAPHO and uveitis. Here, we have reported a case of SAPHO complicated with uveitis. Case presentation: Our patient, a 26-year-old male, was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome due to joint and skin symptoms. His response was limited to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, but his response was excellent to the tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (Etanercept). Even when he suffered from uveitis, treatment was effective with the drug etanercept. Clinical discussion: Its precise pathogenesis remains unclear; however, immune dysfunction, infection, and genetic susceptibility were considered to play a role. Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms and protect from exacerbation of the disease. For refractory cases to conventional drugs, biotherapy is the next therapeutic option. Conclusion: In this case, the patient had osteoarticular and cutaneous symptoms and had uveitis, which is characterized by a good response to treatment.