Hidradenitis suppurativa in Crohn's disease

Abstract

Three patients with Crohn's disease who developed the clinical features of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are reported. To our knowledge this association has not been previously described. These cases illustrate the similarity between cutaneous Crohn's and ano-genital HS once chronic and established.

Hidradenitis suppurativa associated with Crohn?s disease and spondyloarthropathy: response to anti-TNF therapy

“…On the other hand, the skin infection of HS generates great amounts of bacterial fragments, and these may be the antigenic stimuli for an exaggerated immune reaction in a genetically susceptible individual. 5 The reported occurrence of three cases of HS occurring in two first-degree relatives of patients with CD might suggest a common genetic susceptibility for the two diseases. 7 The bacterial antigens from the skin may also cross-react with joint proteins, or may be transported to the joints, thus initiating the inflammatory response.…”

Off-Label Dermatologic Uses of Anti-TNF-a Therapies

“…It is thought to be the result of follicular occlusion -often complicated by secondary bacterial infection. Although most cases have no systemic associations, there are reports of hidradenitis suppurativa occurring in the setting of CrohnÕs disease, 38 suggesting that TNF-a may play a role in the pathogenesis. TNF-a inhibition using infliximab has been a successful approach to the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa in a number of case reports.…”

Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treated With Infliximab Infusion

“…However, the coexistence of Crohn disease and hidradenitis suppurativa is well known. 13 A case report of a 30-year-old woman with both Crohn disease and axillary and perianal hidradenitis suppurative that were resistant to usual therapy was treated with 2 infusions of infliximab (5 mg/kg per dose) and azathioprine (2.5mg/kg per day). After the first dose, there was significant improvement in the axillary and perianal areas.…”