Sweet's syndrome and sarcoidosis
W R Saliba1, G S Habib, M Elias
1Department of Internal Medicine C, Hae'meK Medical Center, Afula 18101, Israel. salibuss@yahoo.com
European Journal of Internal Medicine
|November 30, 2005
Summary
Sweet's syndrome (SS) occurring with sarcoidosis, particularly Lofgren's syndrome, presents with distinct symptoms and a favorable prognosis. This combination appears to be a benign, self-limiting condition with no observed recurrences.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Sweet's syndrome (SS) is an inflammatory condition characterized by fever, neutrophilia, and tender, cutaneous, erythematous papules and plaques.
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by non-caseating granulomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze cases of Sweet's syndrome associated with sarcoidosis reported in the English literature.
- To identify clinical characteristics and prognostic implications of the co-occurrence of SS and sarcoidosis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of reported cases of Sweet's syndrome and sarcoidosis.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, and disease course.
- Comparison of patients with co-occurring SS and sarcoidosis versus SS alone.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous diagnosis of SS and sarcoidosis was observed in all reviewed cases.
- Patients with both conditions were younger, had higher rates of fever, and exhibited distinct skin lesion patterns (less facial/trunk, more upper limb, atypical papules).
- The association appears linked to acute sarcoidosis, specifically Lofgren's syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Sweet's syndrome associated with sarcoidosis, particularly Lofgren's syndrome, represents a distinct clinical subset with a benign and self-limiting course.
- This combination may serve as a favorable prognostic indicator for sarcoidosis.
- Despite SS's typical high recurrence rate, no recurrences were noted in this patient group during follow-up.
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