[Lymphedema as a complication of hidradenitis suppurativa in three patients].
BACKGROUND
We report three patients (respectively 36, 52 and 52 years old) with a long history of hidradenitis suppurativa associated with pubic lymph oedema.


METHODS
Dramatic pubic oedema was noted, with "rugby-ball and bag-like" tumefaction associated with nodules and fistula. There was no evidence of lymph node involvement or abdominal lymphatic blockade. One patient underwent surgical excision combined with split-thickness graft and complete healing ensued. Pathological examination of the excised tissue showed telangiectasia and fibrosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic lymphedema affects patients with severe and long-lasting disease. The complication is caused by chronic and recurrent inflammation due to HS with subsequent blockade or destruction of local lymph drainage routes. Once this complication appears, no medical treatment is effective.
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil.
O
O
Faye
F
F
Petit
F
F
Poli
T
T
Petit
J
J
Wechsler
G
G
Gabison
F
F
Pouget
J
J
Revuz
D000328:Adult; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006119:Groin; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012611:Scrotum; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016312:Treatment Refusal; D014945:Wound Healing