Acne conglobata in Child
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Synopsis
Pathogenesis is thought to be primary occlusion of the pilosebaceous unit followed by rupture, with subsequent profound inflammatory response and frequent secondary infections. Lesions heal with scarring. Acne conglobata can run within families, and it typically affects pubertal adolescents and young adults. Women are affected less frequently than men.
Notably, the final morphologic outcome of resolved acne conglobata can be "secondary comedones." These have been compared to pseudocomedones, as are seen after healed lesions of hidradenitis suppurativa. This similarity (both clinically and histopathologically) suggests that chronic relapsing inflammatory processes that affect the follicular unit can ultimately be similar when healed.
Acne conglobata can present in isolation or as part of a systemic inflammatory condition, including the following syndromes:
- SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis)
- PAPA syndrome (pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne): Acne in PAPA syndrome can be severe and has been described in case reports as acne conglobata. This entity is caused by mutations in PSTPIP1. PSTPIP1 mutations have also been identified in a patient with PAPASH syndrome.
- PASH syndrome (pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and suppurative hidradenitis): Arthritis is absent in this syndrome, as opposed to in PAPA and PAPASH. Additionally, mutations in PSTPIP1 have thus far not been detected in this entity.
- PAPASH syndrome (pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and suppurative hidradenitis): Similar to PAPA syndrome but patients also have hidradenitis suppurativa. Just as in PAPA syndrome, PSTPIP1 mutations have also been identified in PAPASH syndrome.
Codes
ICD10CM:L70.1 – Acne conglobata
SNOMEDCT:
42228007 – Acne conglobata
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Acne vulgaris – A milder form encompassing comedonal or inflammatory lesions. Acne exists on a spectrum; the mildest form of acne conglobata is cystic acne.
- Medication-induced disease – A few cases of acne conglobata following lithium use have been reported. This should resolve after discontinuation of medication. A careful drug history is important to ensure the patient is not taking androgenic steroids, which could also cause a similar picture.
- Pseudofolliculitis barbae – Lesions are restricted to the beard region in men. It is typically less severe in presentation, but it can have similar inflammatory nodules.
- Acne fulminans – Severe inflammatory acne with conglobate lesions and extensive involvement (often on the chest, back, and arms; less often on the face), sometimes in association with pain, tenderness, fever, malaise, and occasionally joint symptoms. Lesions in acne fulminans are more likely to be oozing and/or hemorrhagic and do not have the double or triple comedones that are often seen in acne conglobata.
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:12/11/2018
Last Updated:05/01/2019
Last Updated:05/01/2019
Acne conglobata in Child