Acne conglobata has the same features as acne vulgaris plus double comedones and dissecting interconnecting subcutaneous abscesses which heal to leave scar bridges. This report describes the association of acne conglobata with an asymmetric self-limited, non-deforming peripheral arthritis in a young male. It is suggested that the association of acne conglobata and arthritis is the consequence of the same pathogenetic mechanism as that involved in the association of arthritis with ulcerative colitis.Acne conglobate ha le mesme characteristicas cOmo acne vulgar, sed-in plus -duple comedones e dissecante interconnectite abscessos subcutanee que lassa-post lor curation-cicaticesponte. Le presente reporto describe le association de acne conglobate con asymmetric, auto-limitante arthritis non-deformante peripheric in un juvene masculo. Es formulate le suggestion que le association de acne conglobate con arthritis es le consequentia del mesme mechanism0 pathogenetic que es responsabile pro le association de arthritis con colitis ulcerative.ERIPHERAL ARTHRITIS occurring in association with acute or chronic P inflammatory processes such as abacterial urethritis, bacillary dysentery or chronic ulcerative colitis, particularly when associated with pyoderma gangranosa, is well recognized. We recently observed arthritis, which resembled that seen with the preceding processes, in a young male with a severe form of acne, fuElling criteria for acne conglobata.516 The occurrence of arthralgia and acne conglobata has been recently reported in a single individual by Burns and Colville in abstract form.? While the patient of Burns and Colville and our patient constitute the only reported instances of this association, it is suggested that the occurrence of arthritis with the acne conglobata may well represent a distinct syndrome such as arthritis with ulcerative colitis and is recorded in detail to alert awareness to such an association.
CASE REPORT
J. D. C. (PMH #10039):This 15 year old Caucasian high school student entered the hospital on March 4, 1959, with the chief complaint of pain in both ankles for five day%The present illness began with aching in the right ankle and pain on walking, followed in one day by minimal swelling. The day before admission his left ankle became swollen and tender and he sought medical attention.In September 1958, the patient noted pimples over his arms, face, upper chest and upper back He was seen in the dermatology clinic and was diagnosed as having acne vulgaris. Therapy over the next 3 months included treatment with tetracycline, penicillin, diethylstllbesterol, hexachlomphene-containing soaps and a sulfur-containing lotion. This treatment was followed by gradual improvement. One month prior to admission, at the time of serious emotional confiicts, the skin lesions developed into large draining abscesses. Because of his appearance, the patient withdrew from school. He received penicillin and streptomycin from February 16th through 22nd, with no improvement.
