Clinical features of 53 cases with pustulotic arthro-osteitis.

We have described clinical features of 53 cases with pustulotic arthro-osteitis. Anterior chest wall symptoms such as intersterno-costoclavicular or manubriosternal lesions were observed in all of 53 cases. Spondylitis or spondylodiscitis was found in 18 cases. Sacroiliitis resembling ankylosing spondylitis was seen in 7 cases. Peripheral inflammatory arthritis was seen in 14 cases, which were of nonerosive, of oligoarthritis type, and cured within 1 to 2 months, leaving no residue. HLA B27 was never found, and RAW factor was negative. Histological examinations revealed nonspecific chronic inflammation of bone and soft tissue. Pustulotic arthro-osteitis is apparently distinct from known rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and Reiter's disease. We have proposed that this condition should be classified as a member of the "seronegative spondylo-arthritis' group as designated by Wright and Moll.