Sweet's syndrome associated with Mycobacterium chelonae and herpes simplex virus infections: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: We report a case of Sweet's syndrome associated with Mycobacterium chelonae and herpes simplex virus infection. Clinical Picture: A 56-year-old Chinese woman presented with a granulomatous subglottic mass and right lung nodules, which responded to a 9-month course of anti-tuberculous treatment. Subsequently, she developed genital herpes simplex virus infection, which was followed by a cutaneous eruption with vesicular plaques associated with fever, bilateral cervical lymph nodes and neutrophilia. Mycobacterium chelonae was isolated from lymph node cultures. The cutaneous presentation of Sweet's syndrome was confirmed on skin biopsy. There was no evidence of underlying immunosuppression, malignancy or connective tissue disease. Treatment: She was treated with rifampicin, clarithromycin and oral prednisolone. Outcome: There was complete resolution of her cutaneous lesions and cervical lymphadenopathy. Conclusion: The association between Sweet's syndrome and Mycobacterium chelonae as well as herpes simplex virus, though rare, should be considered in all patients presenting with Sweet's syndrome.