Sweet's syndrome revealing relapsing polychondritis

• Published in: International journal of dermatology 2004-10, Vol.43 (10), p.720-722
• Main Authors: Astudillo, L., Launay, F., Lamant, L., Sailler, L., Bazex, J., Couret, B., Arlet-Suau, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Diagnosis, Differential; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Ear, External; Humans; Inflammatory joint diseases; Male; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous. Osteoarticular involvement in other diseases; Polychondritis, Relapsing - complications; Polychondritis, Relapsing - diagnosis; Polychondritis, Relapsing - pathology; Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects; Sweet Syndrome - complications; Sweet Syndrome - diagnosis; Sweet Syndrome - pathology
• ISSN: 0011-9059; 1365-4632
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02198.x

Sweet's syndrome is extremely rare in relapsing polychondritis. We report a rare case of Sweet's syndrome revealing relapsing polychondritis. A 77‐year‐old man presented with fever, associated with respiratory symptoms and non pruritic, painful, erythematous, papules and plaques mainly on the arms and legs. Skin biopsy of the arm found a neutrophilic dermal infiltrate consistent with Sweet's syndrome. A month and a half after admission, the patient presented with ear chondritis and dysphonia. Biopsy of the ear cartilage found a significant perichondral inflammatory cells infiltrate. The diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis was established and a steroid treatment was instituted with a complete regression of the cutaneous signs and chondritis.