Insights Into the Characteristics of Sweet Syndrome in Patients With and Without Hematologic Malignancy

Corticosteroid-resistant Sweet syndrome in the setting of acute myeloid leukemia with monosomy 7 and 5q deletion

“… 6 Previously reported cases of AML-associated SS have responded well to standard therapy. 3 , 7 A retrospective study of 77 patients with SS, 35% of whom had an associated malignancy, found complete response after treatment initiation in 82% of patients and partial response in 17% of patients treated with a systemic corticosteroid. 4 Our patient provides a rare case of AML-associated SS, resistant to systemic corticosteroid therapy.…”

A diffuse rash in a patient after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant for AML

“…Classic histopathological findings include a dense diffuse mature neutrophilic infiltrate in the upper dermis, although occasionally in the overlying epidermis or underlying adipose tissue, with edema. 1,2 Fragmented neutrophil nuclei known as karyorrhexis or leukocytoclasia may be seen. 3 The lesions are sterile in nature.…”

“…Sweet's syndrome is the eponym for acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis presenting as multiple tender papules involving the extremities and back in an asymmetric distribution. 1,2 The lesions often have a pale center and can mimic bullae. 4 Patients present with fever and may appear acutely ill with myalgias.…”

“…In fact, AML is reported as the most common hematologic malignancy temporally associated with Sweet's syndrome. 1 For this patient population, although Sweet syndrome is secondary to malignancy 20% of the time, it is important to continue to rule out a drug-induced etiology.…”

“…Although Sweet's syndrome is a paraneoplastic process associated with the initial diagnosis of myeloid malignancy, it can also present at time of relapse and concurrent with malignancy. In fact, AML is reported as the most common hematologic malignancy temporally associated with Sweet's syndrome 1 . For this patient population, although Sweet syndrome is secondary to malignancy 20% of the time, it is important to continue to rule out a drug‐induced etiology.…”