Multi-organ involvement of Sweet's syndrome: a case report and literature review

Intern Med. 2015;54(3):339-43. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.2755.

Abstract

The hallmark of Sweet's syndrome (SS) is the infiltration of mature neutrophils in the upper dermis. We herein report a case of SS with multi-organ involvement. A 32-year-old man presented with fever, anemia and dyspnea. He was given antibiotics, without any improvements. Later, a number of erythematous lesions appeared, accompanied by deteriorating respiratory and cardiovascular functions. A diagnosis of SS was confirmed on a skin biopsy, and the patient was given corticosteroids, the dose of which was reduced after one month. The organ function subsequently deteriorated, and he ultimately died of multi-organ failure. Early recognition of SS with multi-organ involvement is important in patients with SS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage*
  • Adult
  • Anemia / etiology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Biopsy
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Fever / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Organ Failure / etiology*
  • Multiple Organ Failure / pathology*
  • Neutrophils / pathology
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Sweet Syndrome / complications*
  • Sweet Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Sweet Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Sweet Syndrome / pathology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents