Musculoskeletal syndromes associated with acne

Spondyloarthropathies and arthritis post-infection: a historical perspective

The spondyloarthropathies are a group of conditions characterised by spinal joint pain and have related clinical, epidemiological and genetic-related features. Ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, the spinal form of psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's and colitis enteropathic arthritis are the major clinical entities of the spondyloarthropathies, and principally occur in HLA-B27 positive individuals. Ankylosing spondylitis is much more common in males than females. Patients are usually seronegative for rheumatoid factor, and extra-articular features including iridocyclitis, mucous membrane and skin lesions: aortitis, may occur in some patients. The reactive arthritis form classically occurs following an infection of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. The Crohn's and colitis enteropathic arthritis forms often have an associated large joint asymmetrical arthritis. Also discussed are acute rheumatic fever and Lyme disease which are conditions where the individual develops arthritis after an infection.

Acne fulminans

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare and severe form of inflammatory acne presenting clinically with an abrupt outburst of painful, hemorrhagic pustules and ulceration, that may or may not be associated with systemic symptoms, such as fever, polyarthritis, and laboratory abnormalities. It typically affects male teenagers with a pre-existing acne. Although the pathogenetic mechanism has not been established yet, a role of genetic, abnormal immunologic response, drugs intake, hormonal imbalance and viral infection, as causal factors, has been identified. AF may occur as a single disease or may be associated with other disorders. Traditionally, AF has been classified, on the basis of the presence of systemic involvement, in "acne fulminans" and acne fulminans "sine fulminans," when no systemic involvement is present. Recently, four clinical variants have been proposed: acne fulminans with systemic symptoms (AF-SS), acne fulminans without systemic symptoms (AF-WOSS), isotretinoin-induced acne fulminans with systemic symptoms (IIAF-SS), isotretinoin-induced acne fulminans without systemic symptoms (IIAF-WOSS). The diagnosis of AF is usually based on clinical history and physical examination. No specific laboratory abnormalities are generally found. In selected cases, biopsy and/or radiologic imaging are helpful for a correct diagnosis. The treatment significantly differs from severe acne according to severity of clinical presentation and possible systemic involvement. Currently, systemic corticosteroids (prednisolone) and retinoids (isotretinoin) represent the first choice of treatment. Dapsone, cyclosporine A, methotrexate, azathioprine, levamisole, and biological agents such as anakinra, infliximab, adalimumab may be considered as alternative therapies in selected cases. Adjunctive topical and physical therapies may also be considered.

Acne in the first three decades of life: An update of a disorder with profound implications for all decades of life

Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory, skin condition that involves the pilosebaceous follicles and is influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, androgen-stimulation of sebaceous glands with abnormal keratinization, colonization with Cutibacterium acnes (previously called Propionibacterium acnes), and pathological immune response to inflammation. Acne can occur at all ages and this discussion focuses on the first three decades of life. Conditions that are part of the differential diagnosis and/or are co-morbid with acne vulgaris are also considered. Acne in the first year of life includes neonatal acne (acne neonatorum) that presents in the first four weeks of life and infantile acne that usually presents between 3 and 6 months of the first year of life with a range of 3 to 16 months after birth. Acne rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory, skin condition that is distinct from acne vulgaris, typically presents in adults, and has four main types: erythemato-telangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous and ocular. Treatment options for acne vulgaris include topical retinoids, topical benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (topical, oral), oral contraceptive pills, isotretinoin, and others. Management must consider the increasing impact of antibiotic resistance in the 21st century. Psychological impact of acne can be quite severe and treatment of acne includes awareness of the potential emotional toll this disease may bring to the person with acne as well as assiduous attention to known side effects of various anti-acne medications (topical and systemic). Efforts should be directed at preventing acne-caused scars and depigmentation on the skin as well as emotional scars within the person suffering from acne.

A patient with chronic sacroiliitis undiagnosed for three years after isotretinoin use

Background

Isotretinoin (ISO) is a synthetic vitamin A derivative which has been used for treatment-resistant acne vulgaris. Although most musculoskeletal side effects of ISO are common, including myalgia, arthralgia, and back pain, sacroiliitis is one of the uncommon side effects. ISO-induced sacroiliitis usually completely resolves within a few months by the cessation of the drug.

Case presentation

In this paper, we present a 26-year-old female patient with chronic sacroiliitis that was probably induced by ISO and not resolved by the discontinuation of the drug.

Conclusion

In this patient, sacroiliitis was overlooked for three years. Therefore, ISO usage should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sacroiliitis and low back pain.

Effect of Serum 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D Level on Isotretinoin-Induced Musculoskeletal Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study

Isotretinoin (ISO) is a drug which is used for the treatment of severe and refractory acne vulgaris (AV), over the last few decades. The drug has various musculoskeletal side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate relationship between serum 25 hydroxy (OH) vitamin D levels and the ISO-induced musculoskeletal side effects in patients with AV. We included 87 patients receiving ISO and had musculoskeletal symptoms as adverse effect (AE) group. Another 90 patients receiving ISO for AV and had any musculoskeletal complaints were recruited as control (C) group. Locomotor system examination of the patients was performed by the same clinician. Serum 25 OH vitamin D levels of the all participants were measured. Patients in the AE group were divided into three subgroups by serum 25 OH vitamin D levels. Patients with serum 25 OH vitamin D level lower than 10 ng/ml was classified as Group I, the ones between 10-20 ng/ml as Group II and those higher than 20 ng/ml were classified as Group III. AE and C groups were similar in terms of age and sex (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean serum vitamin D levels between two groups (p = 0.17). Also, there was no significant difference in number of arthralgia (p = 0.30), myalgia (p = 0.29), low back pain (p = 0.10) and sacroiliitis (p = 0.17) between three subgroups in AE group. In addition, we found no statistically significant correlation between the serum vitamin D levels and age, cumulative dose of ISO, arthralgia, myalgia and sacroiliitis parameters in AE group (p > 0.05). Serum 25 OH vitamin D levels between the AE and C groups were similar. We also found that no significant difference in musculoskeletal adverse events between AE subgroups. Therefore, it can be concluded that vitamin D deficiency has no effect on the musculoskeletal adverse events in patients receiving ISO.

Sacroiliitis after use of oral isotretinoin--association with acne fulminans or adverse effect?

Acne fulminans is a rare and severe form of acne that may evolve from acne vulgaris, especially in male adolescents, or occur as an adverse effect of oral isotretinoin. Arthritis is a serious clinical manifestation when the musculoskeletal system is compromised by AF and has been reported as a rare adverse effect of isotretinoin. Involvement of the sacroiliac joints occurs in 21% of acne fulminans cases. We present the case of a 18-year-old male patient in whom acne fulminans evolved from acne vulgaris grade IV and after inflammation resolution started treatment with oral isotretinoin. Within a 30-day period of retinoid treatment he presented with back pain followed by rapid, progressive inability to deambulate.

Sacroiliitis secondary to isotretinoin

Reported is the case of a 17-year old male with sacroiliitis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while undergoing isotretinoin treatment for acne vulgaris. The cessation of isotretinoin and symptomatic treatment resolved the symptoms within 6 weeks, with no signs of sacroiliitis on repeat MRI 10 months later. The temporal association of disease onset and commencement of isotretinoin along with rapid recovery on withdrawal supports the role of isotretinoin in this case.

A case of acne fulminans in a patient with ulcerative colitis successfully treated with prednisolone and diaminodiphenylsulfone: a literature review of acne fulminans, rosacea fulminans and neutrophilic dermatoses occurring in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease

A 19-year-old Japanese man had been treated for ulcerative colitis for 2 years. He was admitted to our hospital with nodulocystic inflammatory papules and pustules on his face and chest, high-grade fever, arthralgia and general malaise. A biopsy specimen from a pustule showed prominent infiltration of neutrophils in the epidermis and dermis, particularly around hair follicles. We made a diagnosis of acne fulminans. The systemic administration of prednisolone at 30 mg daily for 1 week immediately improved his skin lesions and other symptoms; however, during tapering of prednisolone at 20 mg daily, skin lesions flared up. The addition of oral diaminodiphenylsulfone improved the skin lesions. Although there have been a few reports of acne fulminans associated with Crohn's disease, this is the first case report of acne fulminans in a patient with ulcerative colitis. It is noteworthy that the addition of diaminodiphenylsulfone was effective for treating the relapse of acne fulminans in this case.

Acne fulminans: explosive systemic form of acne

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare severe form of acne vulgaris associated with systemic symptoms. It primarily affects male adolescents. Although the aetiology of AF remains unknown, many theories have been advanced to explain it. There have been reported associations with increased androgens, autoimmune complex disease and genetic pre-disposition. The disease is destructive, with the acute onset of painful, ulcerative nodules on the face, chest and back. The associated systemic manifestations such as fever, weight loss and musculoskeletal pain are usually present at the onset. The patients are febrile, with leucocytosis and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. They may require several weeks of hospitalization. The treatment of AF has been challenging; the response to traditional acne therapies is poor. The recommended treatment is aggressive and consists of a combination of oral steroids and isotretinoin. To avoid the relapses, duration of such treatment should not be less than 3-5 months. Although the prognosis for patients treated appropriately is good, these acute inflammatory nodules often heal with residual scarring.

Mucosal lesions may be a minor complication of SAPHO syndrome: a study of 11 Japanese patients with SAPHO syndrome

Since the term synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome was proposed by Chamot et al. (Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic 54:187-196, 1987), clinical reviews concerning this syndrome have been mainly reported from Europe. We carried out a retrospective analysis of 11 Japanese patients with SAPHO syndrome, and reviewed the clinical features of our series in comparison with those in a European large case study. In this study the major features of SAPHO syndrome were chronic osteitis of the anterior chest wall and pustulotic arthro-ostitis with middle age onset, and mucosal lesions seemed to be a minor complication of SAPHO syndrome. The non-erosive peripheral large joints arthritis and the particular HLA types (HLA-B51, B52, or A26), which had been reported to be increased in Behcet's disease, were frequently seen in SAPHO syndrome with mucosal lesions. This study also suggests that SAPHO syndrome with mucosal lesions may be part of a broader disease spectrum including Behcet's disease.

Skin disorders with arthritis

Many inflammatory, metabolic and infectious diseases affect the skin and joints. Most of these, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythaematosus, are considered to be rheumatic conditions with secondary skin involvement. However, several primary cutaneous diseases are associated with arthritis and may even present with joint symptoms prior to cutaneous lesions. Common skin disorders, such as acne and psoriasis, have well-known musculoskeletal manifestations. Other less common conditions, such as dermatomyositis, multicentric reticulohistiocytosis, pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet's syndrome and various cutaneous vasculitides, also have frequent joint involvement. This review will discuss the clinical presentation, both cutaneous and musculoskeletal, diagnosis and management of these disorders.

A Study of Musculoskeletal Manifestations in 12 Patients with SAPHO Syndrome

Synovium and synovial fluid findings in SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) syndrome have not been well characterized, and only a few patients have been described in the Americas. We describe clinical, pathologic, and synovial fluid findings in 12 patients with the SAPHO syndrome: hidradenitis suppurativa (7), acne fulminans or conglobata (3), acneiform folliculitis (1) and palmoplantar pustulosis (1). Routine synovial fluid studies were performed in 6 patients, and light and transmission electron microscopic studies were performed in synovium in 2 patients and in bone in 1. The most common musculoskeletal manifestations included erosive or non-erosive oligoarthritis involving metacarpal phalangeal (MCP) and metatarsal phalangeal (MTP) joints as seen in 9 patients, sclerosis of the sacroiliac joints as seen in 5 patients, and osteitis pubis as seen in 1. Three patients had signs of skeletal hyperostosis. The patients with acne fulminans and acneiform folliculitis had chronic aseptic multifocal osteomyelitis. Synovial fluid was sterile in 7, mildly inflammatory in 5, and highly inflammatory in 2. Electron microscopic studies of synovium in 2 patients and of bone in 1 were not useful to detect microorganisms. Three African-American patients with hidradenitis suppurativa presented with pyoderma gangrenosum, and 2 of them had leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and a life threatening course unresponsive to antibiotics, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. SAPHO in the Americas is most severe in African-Americans with hidradenitis suppurativa, and it presents with heterogeneous musculoskeletal and cutaneous manifestations including erosive polyarthritis or oligoarthritis with nonspecific mild inflammatory fluid. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis and recalcitrant pyoderma gangrenosum were seen in 2 of our patients with the most severe hidradenitis suppurativa. SAPHO syndrome may present with clinical manifestations similar to those seen with seronegative spondyloarthropathies, but it has distinctive cutaneous, radiographic articular, and bone manifestations. Sites of chronic infection need aggressive antibiotic therapy and may need surgical resection.

Chronic destructive oligoarthritis associated with Propionibacterium acnes in a female patient with acne vulgaris: septic-reactive arthritis?

Propionibacterium acnes is an anaerobic bacillus implicated in certain chronic arthritides. This report describes an HLA-B27+ 17-year-old woman with acne vulgaris who presented with rapidly destructive arthritis in the left shoulder as well as an evolving left subclavicular adenopathy. One year later, arthritis was detected in the left knee; the inflammatory synovial fluid was sterile. Growth of P acnes was observed in cultures of the shoulder synovium and lymph nodes, but polymerase chain reaction was negative for Borrelia, Chlamydia, and Ureaplasma DNA. Three months of treatment with amoxicillin and rifampicin led to clinical disappearance of the oligoarthritis, but arthritis recurred in the left knee after discontinuation of therapy. On biopsy, bacteria were undetectable in the knee synovium, but chronic arthritis was evident histologically. Antibiotics were reintroduced for 12 months and were again effective against the clinical symptoms. Although the asymmetry, histologic features, arthritis-acne association, and genetic predisposition of this chronic destructive oligoarthritis would seem to indicate a reactive arthropathy, the isolation of P acnes from 2 distinct specimens prompted us to propose calling this a case of septic-reactive arthritis, which is further supported by the absence of progression after antibiotic therapy and the persistence of the rheumatism. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the efficacy of prolonged antibiotic therapy on the joint manifestations of chronic rheumatism associated with acne.

Pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne syndrome maps to chromosome 15q

Pyoderma gangrenosum, cystic acne, and aseptic arthritis are clinically distinct disorders within the broad class of inflammatory diseases. Although this triad of symptoms is rarely observed in a single patient, a three-generation kindred with autosomal-dominant transmission of these three disorders has been reported as "PAPA syndrome" (MIM 604416). We report mapping of a disease locus for familial pyoderma gangrenosum-acne-arthritis to the long arm of chromosome 15 (maximum two-point LOD score, 5.83; recombination fraction [straight theta] 0 at locus D15S206). Under the assumption of complete penetrance, haplotype analysis of recombination events defined a disease interval of 10 cM, between D15S1023 and D15S979. Successful identification of a single disease locus for this syndrome suggests that these clinically distinct disorders may share a genetic etiology. These data further indicate the role of genes outside the major histocompatibility locus in inflammatory disease.

The treatment of acne fulminans: a review of 25 cases

The treatment of acne fulminans has been difficult. It is difficult to perform a controlled treatment trial due to the rarity of the complication. However, it is possible to compare four different therapeutic regimens which have evolved with time in the management of 25 patients over a period of 25 years. Oral antibiotics produced a slow response in the resolution of acne and systemic symptoms. The addition of a systemic steroid produced a quick resolution of systemic features, but the time until resolution of the acne was longer than when it was used in combination with oral isotretinoin. The protocols which used a combination of prednisolone and isotretinoin led to faster control of systemic features as well as clearance of acne when compared with other protocols. This was particularly so if the oral steroid was used sooner rather than later. We conclude that the preferred treatment of acne fulminans is oral prednisolone 0.5-1 mg/kg daily for 4-6 weeks (thereafter slowly reduced to zero) with oral isotretinoin being added to the regimen at the fourth week, initially at 0.5 mg/kg daily and gradually increased to achieve complete clearance.

Extraspinal enthesopathy caused by isotretinoin therapy

OBJECTIVE

To discuss a case of diffuse peripheral enthesopathy in a patient previously treated with long-term isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe acne.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 47-year old man with 1 month history of moderate neck and right upper extremity pain, with hypoesthesia of the right second and third fingers. Palpable bony prominences around multiple superficial joints were noted on physical examination, raising the initial question of osteochondromatosis. Multiple active acne pustules were noted. A limited skeletal survey demonstrated diffuse peripheral enthesophyte formation and hyperostoses, resembling those of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, but without accompanying spinal changes. A history of long-term Accutane therapy was then elicited.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

The enthesopathy was believed to represent an asymptomatic, longstanding, iatrogenically induced abnormality. No specific therapy or follow-up was indicated. The patient had discontinued use of Accutane years ago. Cervical symptoms improved with four sessions of cervical traction and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, but upper extremity symptoms were refractory.

CONCLUSION

Accutane-induced enthesopathy should be considered in individuals with correlating radiologic and clinical features and history of retinoic acid therapy for acne. This should be a diagnosis by exclusion, after eliminating other potential causes of peripheral enthesopathy, particularly diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, seronegative spondylarthropathy, and fluorosis.

Propionibacterium acnes isolated from synovial tissue and fluid in a patient with oligoarthritis associated with acne and pustulosis

This report describes the case of a patient with a 14-month course of severe oligoarthritis associated with acne. Pure cultures of Propionibacterium acnes were isolated from synovial tissue and synovial fluid specimens collected from the same joint after a 4-month interval. After 2 months of treatment with roxithromycin 300 mg/day, rifampicin 1,200 mg/day, and a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), followed by 4 months of treatment with azithromycin 1 gm/week and an NSAID, the synovitis persisted. Cultures of skin lesions and synovial fluid at this time were negative. Although P acnes has previously been isolated from bone specimens obtained from patients with osteitis associated with acne, this is the first report of the isolation of this microorganism from the synovial tissue of a patient with arthritis associated with acne. Our findings raise the question of the role of P acnes in the pathogenesis of arthritis associated with acne.

Two cases of musculoskeletal syndrome associated with acne

We report two cases of musculoskeletal syndrome (myalgia, arthralgia, arthritis, hyperostosis) that developed in male adolescents who had severe acne (acne conglobata and acne fulminans). In both patients the hyperostosis of the right clavicle aroused the suspicion of a bone tumor or osteomyelitis, which was excluded by histologic examination. Radiologic and laboratory characteristics of musculoskeletal syndrome associated with acne conglobata and acne fulminans are reviewed as well as isotretinoin therapy. The problems of differential diagnosis are also discussed.

A new autosomal dominant disorder of pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne: PAPA syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To describe a multigenerational family with transmission of an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and severe cystic acne.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present a detailed case report of a 39-year-old man with arthritic changes in several joints, pyoderma gangrenosum, and cystic acne. Several relatives from three generations of his family underwent clinical and genetic investigations. The findings in this kindred are reported.

RESULTS

Ten affected family members in three generations manifested variable expression of a pauciarticular, nonaxial, destructive, corticosteroid-responsive arthritis that began in childhood; pyoderma gangrenosum; and severe cystic acne in adolescence and beyond. Other less commonly associated features included adult-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, proteinuria, abscess formation at the site of parenteral injections, and cytopenias attributable to sulfonamide medications. Laboratory evaluation was nondiagnostic. Genetic studies excluded linkage to the major histocompatibility locus.

CONCLUSION

The acronym of PAPA syndrome (pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne) is suggested for this newly recognized pleiotropic autosomal dominant disorder. The nature of the genetic alteration in PAPA syndrome is unknown.

Spondylodiscitis in SAPHO syndrome. A series of eight cases

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency, clinical features, and radiological and bone scintigraphic changes of spondylodiscitis in patients with SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis).

METHODS

The study was retrospective. Data from patients with the diagnostic criteria of SAPHO syndrome were analysed for clinical features, biological data (HLA B antigen), and pelvic and spine x rays. Spine computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were also examined in some cases.

RESULTS

25 patients with a diagnosis of SAPHO were seen since 1985. Eight had spondylodiscitis. These included five with palmoplantar pustulosis, one with pustular psoriasis, one with psoriasis vulgaris, and one with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis without skin disease. The skin lesion occurred before the spondylodiscitis in four cases. Chest wall involvement was observed in four cases and sacroiliac joint lesions only in the case with osteomyelitis. HLA B27 was always negative and HLA B8 was found in four cases. Radiological findings consisted of erosive or sclerosing remodelling of endplates with a narrowed disc space; a reduced height of the vertebral body was also observed in some cases. These spinal lesions occurred in the three vertebral segments. Multiple sites of spondylodiscitis in the same patient were common. Bone scan showed mildly increased uptake and CT and MRI were useful for detecting signs of infection such as abscess. Enhanced signals on T2 weighted sequence or after injection of gadolinium were often observed. Follow up study of most of these patients suggests that the prognosis of spondylodiscitis in the SAPHO syndrome is favourable.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite few description in the literature, spondylodiscitis in the SAPHO syndrome is common (32% in this series). These radiological findings are similar to the discovertebral changes of spondylodiscitis in ankylosing spondylitis, thus giving support to the relations between SAPHO syndrome and spondylarthropathies. However, this does not mean that the pathogenic mechanisms are the same in these two conditions.

Acne fulminans treated with isotretinoin and "pulse" corticosteroids

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare and severe form of acne that occurs almost exclusively in white adolescent boys. We report AF in a 16-year-old white boy developing 14 months after the onset of uncomplicated acne vulgaris. The symptomatology, etiology, treatment, and prognosis of AF are discussed.

Osseous manifestations of SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome

The SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) syndrome includes a complex group of disorders characterized by peculiar bone lesions, most commonly involving the anterior chest wall, and sometimes accompanied by dermatologic manifestations. The clinical and radiographic features of this syndrome are well described, but few studies have examined the histologic features of the bone lesions. We describe the clinical, radiographic, and histologic features of the osseous lesions encountered in eight patients with a clinical diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome. The patients included five female and three male patients ranging in age from 5 to 63 years (mean, 35.3 years). The most common clinical presentation was pain related to the sites of osseous involvement. Two patients also had some form of pustular dermatosis. The radiographic features of the osseous lesions varied but often suggested the possibility of a neoplasm. Nine pathologic specimens were available for review, five from the clavicle, two from the first rib, one from the calcaneus/cuboid, and one from the tibia. The histologic features varied but seemed related to the duration of the patients' musculoskeletal symptoms. Early lesions contained acute inflammation, edema, and prominent periosteal bone formation, histologically indistinguishable from ordinary bacterial osteomyelitis, whereas late lesions demonstrated markedly sclerotic bone trabeculae with prominent marrow fibrosis and only mild chronic inflammation; one of these biopsies appeared virtually identical to Paget's disease. One biopsy was performed after an intermediate duration of symptoms and contained prominent chronic inflammation only. The histologic findings in SAPHO are variable and nonspecific and may depend on the duration of disease, but it is important to recognize the spectrum of histologic changes possible in the syndrome and to realize that clinicopathologic correlation is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary long-term antibiotic therapy.

Minocycline induced autoimmune hepatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome

Monocycline is the most widely prescribed systemic antibiotic for acne largely because it needs to be given only once or twice a day and seems not to induce resistance. Up to April 1994 11 cases of minocycline induced systemic lupus erythematosus and 16 cases of hepatitis had been reported to the Committee on Safety of Medicines. An analysis of these cases together with seven other cases shows the severity of some of these reactions. Two patients died while taking the drug for acne and a further patient needed a liver transplant. Acne itself can induce arthritis and is often seen in association with autoimmine liver disease, but the clinical and biochemical resolution seen after withdrawal of the drug, despite deterioration of the acne, suggests a drug reaction. In five cases re-exposure led to recurrence. Because reactions may be severe early recognition is important to aid recovery and also to avoid invasive investigations and treatments such as corticosteroids and immunosuppresants. Safer alternatives should be considered for treating acne.

Sapho syndrome associated with acne fulminans and prominent acromioclavicular joint involvement

The clinical and radiological findings of a 33 year-old male patient with acne fulminans and associated SAPHO syndrome are described. The patient presented with prominent acromioclavicular joint involvement, unilateral sacroiliitis and subclavian vein compression which are relatively uncommon features of this syndrome.

Rheumatologic complications of vitamin A and retinoids

Retinoids are synthetic derivatives of vitamin A. They are administered primarily for dermatological conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, and disorders of keratinization. Toxicity has proven a significant problem with long-term administration of the retinoids. Bone abnormalities mimicking seronegative spondyloarthropathy or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis have been described in many cases, as well as other rheumatologic manifestations such as arthritis, myopathy, and vasculitis. These retinoid-related adverse effects are reviewed.

Acne vulgaris

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Arthritis associated with hidradenitis suppurativa

OBJECTIVE

To review the presentation and clinical findings of arthritis associated with hidradenitis suppurativa.

METHOD

Medical records from the rheumatology clinics of two major teaching hospitals were reviewed for arthritis and hidradenitis suppurativa. The nine patient records fulfilling these criteria were reviewed and compared with 20 previous reports.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The arthritis associated with hidradenitis suppurativa is rare and most commonly affects the peripheral joints. The axial skeleton is less frequently involved and is often asymptomatic.