Azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome manifesting as subcutaneous Sweet syndrome and acute pancreatitis

J Cutan Pathol. 2023 Feb;50(2):127-130. doi: 10.1111/cup.14315. Epub 2022 Sep 21.

Abstract

Azathioprine (AZA) is a commonly used immunosuppressive therapy that has been implicated in a number of cutaneous and systemic inflammatory reactions. Initiation of AZA has been associated with a hypersensitivity syndrome manifesting as acute pancreatitis and Sweet syndrome. Subcutaneous Sweet syndrome is a rare variant of Sweet syndrome where the dominant localization of inflammation is within the subcutaneous fat; it is commonly associated with underlying myeloproliferative disease. However, it has not been reported in the literature as a cutaneous manifestation of AZA hypersensitivity syndrome. We present a unique case of acute pancreatitis and biopsy-proven subcutaneous Sweet syndrome following the initiation of AZA with resolution upon discontinuation.

Keywords: Sweet syndrome; azathioprine; contraception; immunosuppressive therapy; pancreatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects
  • Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Pancreatitis* / chemically induced
  • Sweet Syndrome* / chemically induced

Substances

  • Azathioprine
  • Immunosuppressive Agents