A Case of Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Plaque Morphea: Association or Chance?

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the apocrine glands characterized clinically by recurrent nodules, abscesses, and discharging sinuses which heal with a bridge or rope-like scars in the axilla, groin, and perineum. HS is seen to be associated with several other autoimmune and pilosebaceous structural disorders. We present the case of a 50-year-old obese female, known case of HS for 3 years who developed hyperpigmented indurated plaques over the breasts for the past 1 year. Histopathology from the plaques showed thickened and homogenized collagen bundles. A diagnosis of plaque morphea was made based on the clinical and histopathological findings. There are few case reports of HS associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and systemic vasculitis. We discuss the shared pathogenesis of HS and CTDs which may have led to morphea developing in our patient.