Sweet's syndrome in a patient with haemophilia, HIV and hepatitis C infection

Neutrophilic Dermatosis in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Chronic Active Hepatitis C

In this article, we describe a case of neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands (NDDH) complicated with myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic active hepatitis C infection. NDDH was first suggested by Galaria et al in 2000. After comparing features of NDDH with Sweet syndrome in terms of encompassing clinical, laboratory, and histological characteristics, it can be concluded that “distributional or localized variant” of Sweet syndrome is classified as NDDH. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve prognosis. Systemic glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment.

Sweet Syndrome in an Elderly Man With Well-Controlled Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, or Sweet syndrome, is a rare disorder associated with medications, underlying malignancy, or systemic inflammatory conditions. We present the case of a 71-year-old male living with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy, who presented with multiple painful, pseudo-vesicular, almost-necrotic appearing papules on his bilateral palms in the setting of constitutional symptoms and altered mental status. Biopsy of his palmar lesions revealed a dense, diffuse, dermal neutrophilic infiltrate consistent with Sweet syndrome. Infectious, rheumatologic, and oncologic work-up was negative. He was treated initially with intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisone, and dapsone; and he was continued on suppressive dapsone. He responded well clinically, but he relapsed multiple times in the setting of medication non-adherence before his ultimate diagnosis with sarcoidosis. A review of the literature of persons living with HIV and diagnosed with Sweet syndrome reveals no clear clinical association between the two despite plausible pathologic mechanisms. Patients living with HIV who are diagnosed with Sweet syndrome should be evaluated thoroughly for potential etiologies; the search for the underlying etiology of Sweet syndrome should go beyond their diagnosis of HIV.

Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Sweet's Syndrome

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.

Sweet syndrome in a patient with chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Sweet syndrome (SS) is a rare skin condition that is classically idiopathic in etiology, but can also be triggered by malignancy, drug reaction, or infection. Both chronic hepatitis C infection and antiviral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C have been postulated to be possible triggers of SS.

OBJECTIVE

Herein, we present a case of SS in a patient with untreated chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis but no other significant comorbidities.