BACKGROUND: Sweet's syndrome refers to a set of cutaneous, systemic and histopathological alterations that occur in response to different stimuli, in a similar way to that occurring in erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme and leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The syndrome has been described in association with conditions such as infections, pregnancy, the use of certain medications and malignancy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and histopathological alterations occurring in this syndrome and to assess the association between these alterations and other conditions. METHODS: A retrospective study of 73 cases was conducted, evaluating data on the microscopic examination of skin lesions, as well as clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were female (83.0%), white (49.2%) and between 30 and 60 years of age (73.8%). The principal alterations found were: erythymatous plaques (76.9%), papules (43.0%), pseudo-vesiculation (PV) (38.4%) and target lesions (18.5%). With respect to the associated conditions, upper respiratory tract infections (15.4%) and the use of medication (10.8%) were the most common. Other associations, albeit represented by only one case each, were: Hodgkin's lymphoma, pregnancy, ulcerative colitis, polycythemia vera and lupus erythematosus in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The principal microscopic findings were: neutrophils with leukocytoclasia (98.6%), collagen degeneration (87.7%), edema (74.0%) and PV (38.4%). The presence of eosinophils (41.1%) ranged from rare to abundant and was usually unrelated to the use of medication. Inflammatory infiltrate reached the deep epidermal layer in 47.9% of cases and panniculitis was found in 80.0% of cases in which the hypodermis was affected (10 cases). CONCLUSIONS: In general, these findings are in agreement with results published in the literature, emphasizing the frequent finding of eosinophils unrelated to drug use, panniculitis and the rare association with Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is the fifth report of an association between Sweet's syndrome and Hodgkin's disease. Keywords: Erythema Multiforme; Hodgkin's Disease; Panniculitis; Sweet's Syndrome.Resumo: FUNDAMENTOS: A síndrome de Sweet corresponde a um conjunto de alterações cutâneas, sistêmicas e histopatológicas como resposta a diversos estímulos, semelhantes ao eritema nodoso, ao eritema multiforme e à vasculite leucocitoclásica. São descritas condições associadas como infecção, gravidez, uso de drogas e malignidades. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as alterações clínicas e histopatológicas da síndrome, relacionando-a a outras condições. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de 73 casos com avaliação microscópica de lesões cutâneas, dados clínicos e laboratoriais. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de mulheres (83,0%), brancas (49,2%), entre a quarta e a sexta décadas de vida (73,8%). Placas eritematosas (76,9%), pápulas (43,0%), pseudovesiculação (PV) (38,4%) e lesões em alvo (18,5%) foram as principais alterações. Entre as condições associadas, infecções de vi...

Erythema elevatum diutinum is a rare chronic cutaneous vasculitis which usually affects adults. It is characterized by symmetrical and persistent papules, plaques, and nodules. These lesions are usually located on the extensor surfaces of the extremities. We report a case of erythema elevatum diutinum in which the association of dapsone and surgical excision promoted complete remission of skin lesions, providing a new approach to the treatments described in the literature.

Sporotrichosis is the most common subcutaneous mycosis. It is caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, and the infection is usually acquired by traumatic inoculation. We describe a case of sporotrichosis in an uncommon location with an unusual mode of transmission. A 49-year-old female patient who lived in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro presented with involvement of the left ear. No history of contact with soil, plants or animals was elicited. The suspected source of infection was a pair of handmade wooden earrings. The delay in the diagnosis and treatment resulted in higher morbidity, unsightly scarring and loss of ear lobe.

The chondroid syringoma is a rare benign tumor, also called mixed cutaneous tumor by the presence of epithelial and mesenchymal components, consisting of sweat elements in cartilaginous, collagenous, myxoid or osseous stroma, among others. It mainly affects middle-aged men and is characterized by asymptomatic and slowgrowing, dermal or subcutaneous nodules. The most common locations are the head and neck. It is rare on the extremities. There are reports of malignant variants predominantly in women, located on the extremities. We report a case of a female patient with a lesion on the toe, with excellent outcome after surgical treatment.