Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with infliximab in a patient with Crohn's disease

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, inflammatory, scarring disease characterized by recurrent flares. Recently, a group of 'autoinflammatory disorders' has been described. These disorders are characterized by recurrent inflammatory episodes not mediated by autoantibodies or antigen-specific T-cells. Some of these autoinflammatory disorders have been successfully treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies. Observations: We describe a patient with hidradenitis suppurativa. and a history of inactive Crohn's disease who was treated with infliximab, with subsequent improvement in her skin disease. Conclusions: This case suggests that infliximab may be effective in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa in association with Crohn's disease. We also suggest that hidradenitis suppurativa may be closely linked with this new group of autoinflammatory disorders.