Sweet’s Syndrome

David Deneau MD
Acute Neutrophilic Dermatosis
(Sweet RD. Br. J. Dermatol.1964; 76:349-56)
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Clinical Features

• Tender to painful red plaques face, hands, arms,

upper trunk
• Acute onset
• Frequently associated with;
PMN leucocytosis
Fever
Arthralgias
Malaise
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Histology
• Diffuse neutrophilic infiltrate in upper dermis
• Leucocytoclasis
• Without evidence of primary leucocytoclastic
vasculitis
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Associated Disorders
50% cases are idiopathic
50% may be associated with underlying disease

• Malignancy (20 – 25%)

Leukemia
Lymphoma
Carcinomas
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Associated Disorders, (continued)

• Infection: Streptococcal URI

Yersinial GI infection

• Pregnancy

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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Associated Disorders (continued)

• Drug Reactions: G-CSF

Minocycline
Trimethoprim – Sulfamethoxazole
all – trans Retinoic Acid
Oral Contraceptives
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Treatment

• Systemic corticosteroids
Usually dramatic response
4-6 week tapering course
Relapse may occur

• Colchicine
May be effective in mild disease
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Treatment (continued)

• Potassium iodide
• Indomethacin
• Dapsone
• Cyclosporine
• Tetracycline type antibiotics