Phenotypes and Pathophysiology of Syndromic Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Different Faces of the Same Disease? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: There is growing evidence that (certain) hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) comorbidities comprise syndromes including HS as a key cutaneous manifestation. These apparently autoinflammatory syndromes and their diagnostic delay might have detrimental effects on affected patients.

Methods: A systematic review was performed on the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL utilizing a standardized extraction form according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results: Sixty-four eligible articles on syndromic HS were retrieved. The identified syndromes included already described ones (pyoderma gangrenosum-acne-suppurative hidradenitis, pyogenic arthritis-pyoderma gangrenosum-acne-suppurative hidradenitis, psoriatic arthritis-pyoderma gangrenosum-acne-suppurative hidradenitis, pyoderma gangrenosum-acne vulgaris-hidradenitis suppurativa-ankylosing spondylitis, synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis) and further novel symptom constellations. Cutaneous signs, including HS lesions, usually precede signs from other organs. The cutaneous signs of a considerable proportion of patients appear refractory to conventional treatment, and monotherapy with biologics does not suffice to sustain remission.

Conclusion: The results are subsequently discussed with focus on the pathophysiology and treatment of the detected syndromes. The dermatologist's role in the precise diagnosis and early treatment administration of HS is pivotal. The purpose of the treatment should be the effective prevention or delay of the autoinflammatory march and its irreversible consequences.

Keywords: Acne inversa; Arthritis; Autoinflammatory disorder; Hidradenitis suppurativa; Inflammatory bowel disease; Pustulosis; Syndrome; Synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis.