Coexistence of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Steatocystoma Multiplex: Is It a New Variant of Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa and steatocystoma multiplex may coexist in the same patient. The overlap of these 2 conditions could be suggestive of an unrecognized defect in follicular proliferation mutual in the pathogenesis of both conditions. Here we present 5 patients with both hidradenitis suppurativa and steatocystoma multiplex. Recognizing the overlap between these 2 conditions is important for accurate diagnosis, management, and identification of potential surgical candidates, as well as future basic science research.

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurative (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent disease affecting the folliculopilosebaceous unit in the apocrine gland-bearing areas. This leads to comedones, nodules, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring. ¹ HS usually presents in a sporadic or familial fashion, but rare syndromic forms recognizable for their unique symptomatology have been described in the literature. ² Syndromic forms of HS are linked to a spectrum of conditions, ranging from keratin mutations to autoinflammatory syndromes.

Steatocystoma multiplex (SM) is an uncommon autosomal dominant or sporadic disorder affecting the pilosebaceous unit, presenting as multiple skin-colored to yellowish firm or cystic papules or nodules. Cysts range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and predominantly occur in the axilla, trunk, and limbs. ^{3 -6} SM rarely affects the face or scalp, but variants in these areas do exist. ⁶ The onset of SM is centered around puberty, coinciding with the associated increase in pilosebaceous gland activity. ⁷

The term steatocystoma multiplex suppurativa (SMS) and steatocystoma multiplex conglobatum are terms used as synonymously to describe a rare form of SM where cysts frequently become inflamed and rupture, leading to scarring. ⁷ Secondary bacterial infection is possible, leading to malodourous discharge and possible abscess formation. ^8,9 SM can rarely transform into SMS at any point in its natural history, mimicking both hidradenitis suppurativa and acne conglobata. ^4,10

The overlap of HS and SM, or SMS, could be suggestive of an unrecognized defect in follicular proliferation common to both diseases or a mutual genetic link. Recognizing this overlap is important for an accurate diagnosis, management and identification of potential surgical candidates, as well as future basic science research. In this paper we present five patients with concurrent hidradenitis suppurativa and steatocystoma multiplex.

Case Reports

We present five cases of individuals with overlap of hidradenitis suppurativa and steatocystoma multiplex. Four patients were female, and one was male, and ages ranged from 20 to 40-years-old. All were diagnosed with HS between 14 and 20-years-old prior to onset of SM. Clinical characteristics are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1.

Clinical Characteristics of 5 Patients Presenting With Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Steatocystoma Multiplex. (Normal BMI 18.5-24.9).

	Age/Sex	PMH/FH Smoking status	HS—Age at onset—Hurley stage	Previous treatments a	Elements of follicular tetrad	Cyst location— Onset	BMI
Case 1	20/F	No relevant Non smoker	15 yo – Stage I	Oral antibiotics	None	Axillae, pubic 19yo	Normal
Case 2	31/F	No relevant Non smoker	15 yo – Stage I	OCPs, I&D, homeopathic therapy, OTC oils	None	Axillae, left suprapubic 26yo	Normal
Case 3	40/F	No relevant Non smoker	20 yo – Stage I	Topical dapsone, BPO wash, topical antibiotic	None	Axillae 39yo	Normal
Case 4	35/F	No relevant Non smoker	16 yo – Stage I	None	None	Axillae 30yo	Normal
Case 5	20/M	No relevant Non smoker	14 yo – Stage I	Unknown	Unknown	Generalized 15yo	Normal

Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; BPO, benzoyl peroxide; F, female; FH, Family History; I&D, incision and drainage; M, male; OCP, oral contraceptive pill; OTC, over the counter; PMH, Past Medical History; YO, years old.

^aTreatments done in primary care settings.

The cases presented with persistent cystic lesions in bilateral axillae with intermittent episodes of red inflamed nodules and drainage. On physical exam, one patient had multiple pubic cysts, while another patient had only a small white cyst on the left pubic area (Figure 1). The male case with the condition had widespread white papules of SM and also cystic acne in addition to HS. All 4 patients had firm whitish cysts in both axillae with evidence of inflammatory nodules, tracts, and scarring (Figure 2). The HS lesions showed different degrees of inflammation.

Figure 1.

Cases 1 and 2 presenting with bilateral axillary and pubic whitish papules and cysts, both Hurley stage 1.

Figure 2.

Cases 3 and 4 presenting with multiple bilateral axillary firm whitish cysts, both Hurley stage 1. Cysts were larger in case 4.

Histopathology from case 1 is presented here and showed a thin stratified squamous epithelium, with no granular layer and surrounded by a thin irregular corrugated eosinophilic cuticle (Figure 3). Treatment offered included oral and topical antibiotics for inflammatory lesions. Surgical treatment of cystic lesions was offered to patients for cosmetic purposes.

Figure 3.

Histopathological findings of a cyst from case 1. (a) H&E, 2 x. (b) Corrugated cuticular lining, 10 x . (c and d) Loose wispy keratin content with some vellus hairs, 2× and 10× respectively.

Discussion

There are a few reports presenting the coexistence of these 2 conditions. The first case report describing patients with both SM and HS was published in 1976. It was thought at the time that HS was likely a coincidental complication, but a possible inherited syndrome involving inflammation of steatocystoma was postulated. ¹¹ Previous case reports have also demonstrated the coexistence of HS and SM within families. ³

The etiopathogenesis of HS is not yet fully understood, however follicular occlusion seems to be an essential event. Promoting factors include gamma (γ) secretase mutations, impaired Notch signaling, and abnormal cytokines among others. ² It is believed that γ-secretase is a key regulator of the Notch signaling pathway, and mutations here are thought to lead to epidermal and follicular abnormalities, including formation of epidermal cysts. ^12,13

The overlap of these 2 conditions could be suggestive of an unrecognized common defect in follicular proliferation. Mutations in keratin 17 (KRT17), a gene encoding the type 1 intermediate filament chain keratin 17 found in sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and other epidermal appendages, have been identified in patients with SM as well as patients with paronychia congenita type 2 (PC-2) ^5,14 PC2 is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with nail dystrophy, palmoplantar keratoderma, follicular keratosis, and epidermal inclusion cysts. ⁴ The presence of the KRT17 mutation in both of these clinical entities is suggestive of different phenotypic expressions.

Genetic defects believed to be associated with epidermal and follicular abnormalities are also seen in Dowling-Degos disease (DDD), a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by reticular hyperpigmentation of the folds and occasionally associated with HS. ¹⁵ DDD is linked to mutations in keratin 5, as well as POFUT1 and POGLUT1 (both regulators of the Notch pathway). ¹² Both DDD and HS are also associated with mutations in the PSENEN gene, which encodes a component of the γ-secretase complex. This supports the hypothesis that this defect is related to epithelial and follicular proliferation, ultimately leading to occlusion and inflammation. ^{12,13,15 -17}

Given its similarity to HS both in location and presentation, a diagnosis of SM can often be overlooked and initially missed. Histopathologic examination is therefore crucial to determining the correct diagnosis. ^9,18 Typical histological findings of SM include either round/oval or intricately folded cysts with a flattened squamous epithelium, the majority of which had sebaceous lobules within or adjacent to the cyst wall. In addition, wavy eosinophilic cuticles with the absence of a granular layer are present. ¹⁸ Ultrasonography with color doppler has also previously been reported as a non-invasive tool to help differentiate HS and SM. ⁵

Management strategies for SM and SMS include local destructive methods (cryotherapy, CO2 and Erbium YAG), oral medications (antibiotics, isotretinoin), and surgery of symptomatic lesions. ^4,7,8 Isotretinoin was commonly used in the literature for SMS, helping to control the size of suppurative lesions, likely due to its anti-inflammatory effect. ^4,7,8

Given the possible similarities between these 2 conditions, we suggest the approach outlined in Figure 4 when suspecting a diagnosis of HS in patients with nodules or cystic lesions. When assessing a patient with nodules and suppurative lesions, the clinician should also examine for signs suggestive of a syndromic diagnosis, some of which are listed in Table 2. Examples of such signs include pigmented areas, hypertrichosis, atrophoderma, and other cutaneous tumors. Genetic and histopathologic analysis can also aid in diagnosis and help classify patients.

Figure 4.

Approach to patients with nodular or cystic lesions where hidradenitis suppurativa is suspected.

Table 2.

Syndromes Associated With Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Classification	Syndrome	Clinical presentation
Syndromes with a genetic background	Bazex-Dupre-Christol Syndrome	Follicular atrophoderma, congenital hypertrichosis, basal cell neoformations 19
	Dowling-Degos disease	Reticular hyperpigmentation of flexural surfaces, comedo-like lesions, perioral or facial scars, epidermoid cysts 20
	Down’s Syndrome	HS over 5 times more likely in this population, HS diagnosed earlier in life 21
	Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness Syndrome	Erythrokeratoderma, follicular keratoses, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, alopecia 22
	Familial Mediterranean Fever	Fever, peritonitis, arthritis, amyloidosis 23
Syndromes with follicular plugging or structural disorders	Bazex-Dupre-Christol Syndrome	Follicular atrophoderma, congenital hypertrichosis, basal cell neoformations 19
	Dowling-Degos disease	Reticular hyperpigmentation of flexural surfaces, comedo-like lesions, perioral or facial scars, epidermoid cysts 20
	Down’s Syndrome	HS over 5 times more likely in this population, HS diagnosed earlier in life 21
	Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness Syndrome	Erythrokeratoderma, follicular keratoses, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, alopecia 22
	Follicular Occlusion Syndrome	Acne conglobata, pilonidal disease, dissecting cellulitis, HS
Syndromes with a possible autoinflammatory pathogenesis	PASH	Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Acne, Suppurative Hidradenitis
	PASS	Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Acne, HS, Ankylosing Spondylitis
	PAPASH	Pyogenic Arthritis, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Acne, HS
	SAPHO	Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, Osteitis
	Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)	Fever, peritonitis, arthritis, amyloidosis 23

Our case series further supports the growing body of literature demonstrating an overlap between hidradenitis suppurativa and steatocystoma multiplex. This is a new variant of HS, but further genetic studies are needed to identify if there is a genetic link. We also suggest an approach to patients presenting with nodules or cystic lesions when HS is suspected. Overall, further basic science and genetic research is needed in order to elucidate a possible follicular pathway between SM, HS, and other follicular occlusion syndromes.

ORCID iDs

Joshua Fletcher https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1501-8401

Afsaneh Alavi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1171-4917