Hidradenitis suppurativa associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report

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. 40-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) presented with recurrent abscesses and nodules on her extremities. Early considerations related the described dermatologic findings to the dermatologic manifestations of SLE, however findings from lesion biopsy were suggestive of HS. Prednisone and antibiotic therapy with clindamycin were started. Subsequently upon discharge, the patient was also treated with rifampicin and azathioprine. In this communication, we demonstrate a case of HS in a patient with SLE that significantly improved under antibiotic and immunosuppressant therapy. 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.