Open AccessHidradenitis suppurativa associated with systemic lupus erythematosus
Author(s) -
Chen Ben David,
Nicola Luigi Bragazzi,
Abdulla Watad,
Κassem Sharif,
Aaron Whitby,
Howard Amital,
Mohammad Adawi
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000010186
Subject(s) - medicine , hidradenitis suppurativa , dermatology , azathioprine , etiology , lupus erythematosus , prednisone , disease , surgery , immunology , antibody
Rationale: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by recurrent swollen, deep, and painful abscesses. Several autoimmune conditions have been shown to be associated with HS including inflammatory bowel disease and spondyloarthropathies. Patient concerns: 40-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) presented with recurrent abscesses and nodules on her extremities. Diagnosis: Early considerations related the described dermatologic findings to the dermatologic manifestations of SLE, however findings from lesion biopsy were suggestive of HS. Interventions: Prednisone and antibiotic therapy with clindamycin were started. Subsequently upon discharge, the patient was also treated with rifampicin and azathioprine. Outcome: In this communication, we demonstrate a case of HS in a patient with SLE that significantly improved under antibiotic and immunosuppressant therapy. Lessons: HS can coexist in patients with SLE. Evidence pertinent to the etiology of HS and its association with other autoimmune conditions implies a possible denominator in the disease etiopathogenesis. Increased awareness of the co-occurrence of the two conditions calls for increased efforts to devise better treatment modalities.