1
|
Commins N, Subhaharan D, Dettrick A, Patrick D. Mercaptopurine-induced Sweet's syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e259278. [PMID: 38417937 PMCID: PMC10900376 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-259278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Sweet's syndrome is an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. Drug-induced Sweet's syndrome typically occurs soon after drug administration, with rapid resolution of symptoms with cessation of the offending agent. We report a man in his early 40s who presented with fever and widespread erythematous rash on a background of recently diagnosed mild stricturing ileal Crohn's disease. He was commenced on 6-mercaptopurine 12 days before presentation. Skin biopsy demonstrated diffuse infiltration of neutrophils in the upper dermis, dermal oedema, eosinophils and fibrin deposition. Symptoms rapidly improved with cessation of 6-mercaptopurine without requiring systemic corticosteroids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Commins
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Deloshaan Subhaharan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Dettrick
- Department of Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Desmond Patrick
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Koska MC, Karadağ AS, Durdu M. Annular neutrophilic dermatoses. Clin Dermatol 2023; 41:340-354. [PMID: 37423267 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophilic dermatoses (NDs) constitute a group of diseases characterized by sterile neutrophilic infiltrations. Many NDs usually present with infiltrated erythematous plaques, nodules, urticarial plaques, or pustules. Lesions may show variability, and atypical presentations may develop among NDs. Annular lesions have been reported in many NDs and may lead to diagnostic problems. Clinical features and histopathologic findings such as localization of the neutrophilic infiltrate, existence of other cell types, and absence of true vasculitis may be helpful to distinguish NDs. Some of these NDs are associated with infections, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies. In most NDs, systemic steroids and dapsone are very effective and usually first choices. Colchicine, antimicrobials such as doxycycline, tetracycline, and sulfapyridine, and other immunosuppressants such as cyclosporin, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil have been used successfully in treating many NDs. Tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors have also been used successfully in treating many NDs. Janus kinase inhibitors are effective in CANDLE (chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature) syndrome, anakinra in neutrophilic urticarial dermatosis, and intravenous immunoglobulin in resistant pyoderma gangrenosum. We discuss the diagnosis and management of NDs that may present with annular lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmut Can Koska
- Dermatology and Venereology Clinic, Artvin State Hospital, Artvin, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Serap Karadağ
- Department of Dermatology, Istanbul Arel University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Durdu
- Department of Dermatology, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Adana Dr. Turgut Noyan Application and Research Center, Adana, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sleiman J, Hitawala AA, Cohen B, Falloon K, Simonson M, Click B, Khanna U, Fernandez AP, Rieder F. Systematic Review: Sweet Syndrome Associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2021; 15:1864-1876. [PMID: 33891004 PMCID: PMC8675328 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjab079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sweet syndrome [SS] is a dermatological condition associated with both inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and azathioprine use. We performed a systematic review to better delineate clinical characteristics and outcomes of SS in IBD patients. METHODS Peer-reviewed, full-text journal publications from inception to April 2020 in English language and adult subjects with IBD were included. Skin biopsy was required as SS gold-standard diagnosis. Azathioprine-associated SS required recent azathioprine introduction or recurrence of SS after azathioprine re-challenge. RESULTS We included 89 publications with 95 patients [mean age of SS diagnosis: 44 years; 59% female; 20 with azathioprine-associated SS and 75 without]. SS was diagnosed prior to IBD in 5.3%, at time of IBD diagnosis in 29.5% and after diagnosis in 64.2%. In total, 91% of patients with SS had known colonic involvement and the majority [76%] had active IBD at diagnosis; 22% had additional extra-intestinal manifestations. Successful therapies for SS included corticosteroids [90.5%], anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α inhibitor therapy [14.8%] and azathioprine [11.6%]. Azathioprine-associated SS was distinct, with 85% male patients, mean age of SS diagnosis of 50 years and a lower likelihood to be prescribed corticosteroids for treatment [75% vs 94.7% of non-azathioprine-associated SS, p = 0.008]. All patients with azathioprine-associated SS improved with medication cessation and developed recurrence after re-challenge. CONCLUSIONS SS may precede or occur with IBD diagnosis in almost one-third of cases. Azathioprine and IBD-associated SS present and behave distinctly, especially with regard to gender, age at diagnosis and recurrence risk. Corticosteroids and TNF-α inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in treating SS in IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sleiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland
Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Asif A Hitawala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland
Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin Cohen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic,
Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Katie Falloon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic,
Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Marian Simonson
- Floyd D. Loop Alumni Library, Cleveland
Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin Click
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic,
Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Urmi Khanna
- Department of Dermatology, Albert Einstein College of
Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx,
NY, USA
| | - Anthony P Fernandez
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Cleveland
Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition,
Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic,
Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Heath MS, Ortega-Loayza AG. Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Sweet's Syndrome. Front Immunol 2019; 10:414. [PMID: 30930894 PMCID: PMC6424218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sweet's syndrome, also known as Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis, is a rare inflammatory condition. It is considered to be the prototype disease of neutrophilic dermatoses, and presents with acute onset dermal neutrophilic lesions, leukocytosis, and pyrexia. Several variants have been described both clinically and histopathologically. Classifications include classic Sweet's syndrome, malignancy associated, and drug induced. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in Sweet's syndrome have been difficult to elucidate due to the large variety of conditions leading to a common clinical presentation. The exact pathogenesis of Sweet's syndrome is unclear; however, new discoveries have shed light on the role of inflammatory signaling, disease induction, and relationship with malignancy. These findings include an improved understanding of inflammasome activation, malignant transformation into dermal infiltrating neutrophils, and genetic contributions. Continued investigations into effective treatments and targeted therapy will benefit patients and improve our molecular understanding of inflammatory diseases, including Sweet's syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Heath
- Oregon Health and Science University, Department of Dermatology, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Alex G Ortega-Loayza
- Oregon Health and Science University, Department of Dermatology, Portland, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Silfvast-Kaiser A, Napoli E, Stockton L, Bautista I, Lopez L, Mirkes C. Sweet's syndrome in a patient with Crohn's disease. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 2018; 31:460-461. [PMID: 30948979 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2018.1496670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sweet's syndrome, or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, has previously been associated with underlying inflammatory bowel disease; however, there are fewer than 50 case reports of such an association. Herein, we describe a young woman with Crohn's disease who presented with abrupt onset of a painful, tender erythematous rash on the dorsal hands and face.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lindsey Stockton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White HealthTempleTexas
| | - Ira Bautista
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White HealthTempleTexas
| | - Lisa Lopez
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Baylor Scott & White HealthTempleTexas
| | - Curtis Mirkes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White HealthTempleTexas
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lima CDS, Pinto RDB, Góes HFDO, Salles SDAN, Vilar EAG, Lima CDS. Sweet's syndrome associated with Crohn's disease. An Bras Dermatol 2017; 92:263-265. [PMID: 28538894 PMCID: PMC5429120 DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sweet's syndrome is an uncommon benign skin disorder, whose pathogenesis remains
unknown. Its classic form is more common in women and presents itself as
papular-nodular, painful and erythematous or violaceous lesions. It mainly
affects the face, neck, and upper limbs. Fever and neutrophilic leukocytosis are
also common features. Although it is considered a systemic disease marker in
more than half of patients, the association of this condition with Crohn's
disease is rare, with few cases reported in the literature, of which, none in
Brazil. We report the case of a patient with Crohn's disease who developed the
classical features of Sweet's syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caren Dos Santos Lima
- Dermatology Department at Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) - Niterói (RJ), Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ortega Alonso A, López Navarro N, Gallego E, Lara C, Alcaín Martínez G. Crohns disease and Sweets syndrome: A debut together. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2015. [DOI: 10.17235/reed.2015.3842/2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
8
|
Targetoid palmoplantar Sweet syndrome as presenting sign of severe Crohn's disease. J Am Acad Dermatol 2013; 69:e199-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2013.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
9
|
|
10
|
Barco D, Barnadas MA, Roé E, Sancho FJ, Ricart E, Alomar A. Neutrophilic dermatoses in a patient with collagenous colitis. Dermatol Reports 2010; 2:e5. [PMID: 25386241 PMCID: PMC4211476 DOI: 10.4081/dr.2010.e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2009] [Revised: 01/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a 75-year old woman with collagenous colitis who presented with erythematous and edematous plaques on the periorbital and eyelid regions, accompanied by oral ulcers. Histopathology showed a dermal neutrophilic infiltrate plus mild septal and lobular panniculitis with lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils. Five years earlier she had presented a flare of papules and vesicles on the trunk, together with oral ulcers; a skin biopsy revealed a neutrophilic dermal infiltrate and Sweet’s syndrome was diagnosed. Both the neutrophilic panniculitis and the Sweet’s syndrome were accompanied by fever, malaise and diarrhea. Cutaneous and intestinal symptoms disappeared with corticoid therapy. The two types of neutrophilic dermatoses that appeared in periods of colitis activity suggest that intestinal and cutaneous manifestations may be related.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elena Ricart
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Treton X, Joly F, Alves A, Panis Y, Bouhnik Y. Azathioprine-induced Sweet's syndrome in Crohn's disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008; 14:1757-8. [PMID: 18623176 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.20518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
|
12
|
Palamaras I, El-Jabbour J, Pietropaolo N, Thomson P, Mann S, Robles W, Stevens HP. Metastatic Crohn's disease: a review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2008; 22:1033-43. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02741.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
13
|
Cohen PR. Sweet's syndrome--a comprehensive review of an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2007; 2:34. [PMID: 17655751 PMCID: PMC1963326 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-2-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 490] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2007] [Accepted: 07/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sweet's syndrome (the eponym for acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) is characterized by a constellation of clinical symptoms, physical features, and pathologic findings which include fever, neutrophilia, tender erythematous skin lesions (papules, nodules, and plaques), and a diffuse infiltrate consisting predominantly of mature neutrophils that are typically located in the upper dermis. Several hundreds cases of Sweet's syndrome have been published. Sweet's syndrome presents in three clinical settings: classical (or idiopathic), malignancy-associated, and drug-induced. Classical Sweet's syndrome (CSS) usually presents in women between the age of 30 to 50 years, it is often preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection and may be associated with inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy. Approximately one-third of patients with CSS experience recurrence of the dermatosis. The malignancy-associated Sweet's syndrome (MASS) can occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome in patients with an established cancer or individuals whose Sweet's syndrome-related hematologic dyscrasia or solid tumor was previously undiscovered; MASS is most commonly related to acute myelogenous leukemia. The dermatosis can precede, follow, or appear concurrent with the diagnosis of the patient's cancer. Hence, MASS can be the cutaneous harbinger of either an undiagnosed visceral malignancy in a previously cancer-free individual or an unsuspected cancer recurrence in an oncology patient. Drug-induced Sweet's syndrome (DISS) most commonly occurs in patients who have been treated with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, however, other medications may also be associated with DISS. The pathogenesis of Sweet's syndrome may be multifactorial and still remains to be definitively established. Clinical and laboratory evidence suggests that cytokines have an etiologic role. Systemic corticosteroids are the therapeutic gold standard for Sweet's syndrome. After initiation of treatment with systemic corticosteroids, there is a prompt response consisting of dramatic improvement of both the dermatosis-related symptoms and skin lesions. Topical application of high potency corticosteroids or intralesional corticosteroids may be efficacious for treating localized lesions. Other first-line oral systemic agents are potassium iodide and colchicine. Second-line oral systemic agents include indomethacin, clofazimine, cyclosporine, and dapsone. The symptoms and lesions of Sweet's syndrome may resolved spontaneously, without any therapeutic intervention; however, recurrence may follow either spontaneous remission or therapy-induced clinical resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip R Cohen
- University of Houston Health Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
André MFJ, Piette JC, Kémény JL, Ninet J, Jego P, Delèvaux I, Wechsler B, Weiller PJ, Francès C, Blétry O, Wismans PJ, Rousset H, Colombel JF, Aumaître O. Aseptic abscesses: a study of 30 patients with or without inflammatory bowel disease and review of the literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2007; 86:145-161. [PMID: 17505254 DOI: 10.1097/md.0b013e18064f9f3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aseptic abscesses (AA) are characterized by deep, sterile, round lesions consisting of neutrophil that do not respond to antibiotics but improve dramatically with corticosteroids. We report the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic characteristics and the associated conditions of 29 patients from the French Register on AA plus 1 patient from the Netherlands.The mean age of patients at AA diagnosis was 29 years (SD = 14). The main clinical manifestations of AA were fever (90%), abdominal pain (67%), and weight loss (50%). Duration of symptoms was 4.7 months on average until abscesses were discovered. The abscesses involved the spleen in 27/29 patients (93%; the thirtieth patient had a personal history of splenectomy after a trauma). In 7 they were unifocal and in the others they were multifocal, involving in addition the abdominal lymph nodes in 14 (48%), liver in 12 (40%), lung in 5 (17%), pancreas in 2 (7%), and brain in 2 (7%). They were not splenic in 3, including 2 with abdominal lymph nodes and 1 with superficial lymph nodes and testicle and lung involvement. Twenty-two patients (70%) had elevated white blood cell and neutrophil count; antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies with a perinuclear, cytoplasmic or atypical pattern (negative for antiproteinase 3 and negative for antimyeloperoxidase except for 1) were positive in 21% of the 24 patients tested. Twenty-one patients had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which preceded the occurrence of abscesses in 7, was concomitant in 7, and appeared secondarily in 7. Six patients had neutrophilic dermatosis (20%), 3 had relapsing polychondritis as an associated condition, and 3 others had monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Three patients had no associated condition. Splenectomy was performed in 15 (52%) patients. All patients received steroid therapy. Thirteen (43%) were given additional immunosuppressive therapy, 1 immediately and the others after a relapse, of whom 3 were also treated by anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents. Mean follow-up was 7 years. Eighteen (60%) patients experienced 1 or several relapses, but there was no death related to AA. Relapses occurred on immunosuppressive therapy in 2 patients and off immunosuppressive therapy in the others while corticosteroids were being tapered. We surveyed the literature and analyzed 19 additional cases. AA is an emergent and probably underrecognized entity. It represents an apparently noninfectious inflammatory disorder involving neutrophils that responds to corticosteroid therapy. AA mainly affects patients with IBD but also affects those with other conditions, or with no other apparent disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc F J André
- From Service de Médecine Interne (MFJA, ID, OA) and Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques (JLK), CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand; Inserm (MFJA), U384, Clermont-Ferrand; Service de Médecine Interne (JCP, BW), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris; Service de Médecine Interne (JN), Hôpitaux de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Lyon; Service de Médecine Interne (PJ), CHU de Rennes, Hôpital Sud, Rennes; Service de Médecine Interne (PJW), CHU de Marseilles, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseilles; Service de Dermatologie (CF), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Paris; Service de Médecine Interne (OB), Hôpital Foch, Suresnes; Service de Médecine Interne (HR), Hôpitaux de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Pierre-Bénite; Service d'Hépato-gastro-entérologie (JFC), CHU de Lille, Hopital Claude Huriez, Lille; Inserm (JFC), EPI 01-14, Lille, France; and Afd. Interne Geneeskunde (PJW), Havenziekenhuis & Instituut voor Tropische Ziekten, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Paoluzi OA, Crispino P, Amantea A, Pica R, Iacopini F, Consolazio A, Di Palma V, Rivera M, Paoluzi P. Diffuse febrile dermatosis in a patient with active ulcerative colitis under treatment with steroids and azathioprine: a case of Sweet's syndrome. Case report and review of literature. Dig Liver Dis 2004; 36:361-6. [PMID: 15191207 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2003.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease often associated with extra-intestinal manifestations, such as dermatological disorders. Of these, the most frequent are erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum, the two neutrophilic forms of dermatosis. Another is Sweet' s syndrome, which results in a sudden eruption of tender, raised erythematous or violaceous plaques/papules or nodules, less frequent vesicles, pustules or bullae, involving face, neck, arms and trunk. This skin disorder is frequently observed in patients with leukaemia or connective tissue diseases, while it is very rare in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The present report deals with the case of a febrile diffuse skin eruption in a 53-year-old patient with moderately active ulcerative colitis after few days' treatment with steroids and azathioprine. At first, the dermatosis was addressed to an idiosyncrasy to azathioprine, which was, therefore, promptly discontinued. Histological examination of skin biopsies revealed the presence of features typical of a Sweet's syndrome. The eruption gradually improved as well as the patient's general condition, until complete regression was achieved following steroid treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O A Paoluzi
- Department of Clinical Science, Gastroenterology Unit, La Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 157, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|