Faculty mentor/PI email address
jim010@aol.com
Is your research Teaching and Learning based?
1
Keywords
Cellulitis, Sweet syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency, cat scratch disease, deep vein thrombosis
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Sweet syndrome, or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by painful erythematous skin lesions, neutrophilic dermal infiltration on histopathology, and rapid response to corticosteroid therapy. Although classically associated with fever and leukocytosis, atypical presentations without systemic symptoms are increasingly recognized, often leading to diagnostic confusion.
The clinical presentation of Sweet syndrome frequently overlaps with infectious processes such as cellulitis, particularly when lesions involve the lower extremities. This overlap may result in misdiagnosis and delayed appropriate treatment. Distinguishing between infectious and inflammatory etiologies is critical, as management strategies differ significantly.
We present a case of Sweet syndrome in an elderly patient with bilateral lower extremity wounds initially suspected to be infectious in origin, highlighting the importance of considering noninfectious causes in atypical or treatment-refractory cases.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Included in
Not All That Scratches Is Infection: Sweet Syndrome Mimicking Cat Scratch Disease
Sweet syndrome, or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by painful erythematous skin lesions, neutrophilic dermal infiltration on histopathology, and rapid response to corticosteroid therapy. Although classically associated with fever and leukocytosis, atypical presentations without systemic symptoms are increasingly recognized, often leading to diagnostic confusion.
The clinical presentation of Sweet syndrome frequently overlaps with infectious processes such as cellulitis, particularly when lesions involve the lower extremities. This overlap may result in misdiagnosis and delayed appropriate treatment. Distinguishing between infectious and inflammatory etiologies is critical, as management strategies differ significantly.
We present a case of Sweet syndrome in an elderly patient with bilateral lower extremity wounds initially suspected to be infectious in origin, highlighting the importance of considering noninfectious causes in atypical or treatment-refractory cases.