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Sweet Syndrome — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateHaematologySweet SyndromeRACP Adult Medicine

A 55-year-old man with MDS presents with acute onset of painful erythematous plaques on the face, neck, and upper extremities. He has fever (39°C) and neutrophilia (20 × 10⁹/L). Biopsy shows dense dermal neutrophilic infiltrate without vasculitis or infection. Lesions respond rapidly to corticosteroids. What is the most likely skin manifestation?

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Correct answer: C — Sweet syndrome

Acute onset painful erythematous plaques with fever, neutrophilia, dense dermal neutrophilic infiltrate without vasculitis, and rapid corticosteroid response is Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis). Associations: haematological malignancies (MDS, AML — 20%), autoimmune disease, infection, and drugs (G-CSF). Treatment: corticosteroids (dramatic response within 48 hours).

Reference: eTG Dermatology – 2024 – Sweet Syndrome