Hidradenitis suppurativa associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

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.