Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet's syndrome)

To highlight the recent observations regarding not only research but also the clinical features and management of Sweet's syndrome.

Some of the new insights concerning Sweet's syndrome include: (1) bortezomib-induced Sweet's syndrome (some of which are the histiocytoid variant), (2) a rare extracutaneous manifestation of Sweet's syndrome with cardiovascular involvement including coronary artery occlusion, and (3) the possibility that photosensitivity may have a role in the pathogenesis of Sweet's syndrome.

Animal models of Sweet's syndrome and new associated medication have been observed. The definitive mechanism of pathogenesis still remains to be elucidated. Recent observations in paediatric patients suggest evaluation of dermatosis-related cardiac involvement in patients with post-Sweet's syndrome cutis laxa. Treatment advances include antitumour necrosis factor- alpha drugs; however, these medications have also been associated with inducing Sweet's syndrome. Nearly 50 years after the initial description of an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis by Dr Robert Douglas Sweet, the dermatosis remains a fascinating condition with regard to laboratory investigation, clinical manifestations and treatment.