Case Report
Prolonged remission of SAPHO syndrome with low‑dose leflunomide: A case report and literature review
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Affiliations:
Department of Rheumatology of Lucania, Simple Departmental Operational Unit of Rheumatology, ‘Madonna delle Grazie’ Hospital, I‑75100 Matera, Italy
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Article Number:
46
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Published online on:
December 5, 2025
https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2025.13041
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Abstract
This case report and literature review describes a 60‑year‑old woman from Southern Italy, diagnosed with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome in 2015, who achieved sust ained remission through leflunomide therapy. Initially, the patient presented with severe sternoclavicular pain, osteitis and palmoplantar pustulosis. Following leflunomide initiation, the patient experienced significant clinical improvement, maintaining remission for ~5 years, even after a dose reduction to 20 mg on alternate days. No adverse events were reported during the entire treatment period. This case is contextualized within a concise review of the literature on leflunomide use in SAPHO, highlighting its potential as a long‑term, low‑dose therapeutic option with a favorable safety profile.
