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Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativa: case report of a rare condition* * Study conducted at Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto of the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (HUPE-UERJ) – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.

Abstract

Steatocystoma multiplex is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the presence of hamartomatous malformations at the junction of the pilosebaceous duct. It consists of encapsulated cystic lesions in the dermis, with adjacent sebaceous gland. When associated with inflammation, resembling hidradenitis, it is called steatocystoma multiplex suppurativa, a condition rarely reported. This is the first case of steatocystoma multiplex suppurativa reported in the Brazilian literature. Female patient, 23 years old, with papular and nodular cystic lesions that started in the armpits and groin, later spreading to the trunk, lower limbs, anticubital fossa, face and scalp. The presence of papular-nodular lesions associated with disseminated hidradenitis-like lesions in flexural areas and the histopathological diagnosis of steatocystoma defined the diagnosis of steatocystoma multiplex suppurativa.

Keywords:
Steatocystoma Multiplex; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Suppuration

INTRODUCTION

Steatocystoma multiplex (SM) is a rare genetic disorder.11 Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8.,22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6. It is characterized by multiple dermal cysts of varying sizes, which present in areas where the pilosebaceous unit is well developed, predominantly in armpits, trunk and proximal ends.33 Cho S, Chang SE, Choi JH, Sung KJ, Moon KC, Koh JK. Clinical and histologic features of 64 cases of steatocystoma multiplex. J Dermatol. 2002;29:152-6.

4 Varshney M, Aziz M, Maheshwari V, Alam K, Jain A, Arif SH, et al. Steatocystoma multiplex. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011. pii: bcr0420114165.

5 Gordon Spratt EA, Kaplan J, Patel RR, Kamino H, Ramachandran SM. Steatocystoma. Dermatol Online J. 2013;19:20721.
-66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9. In women, SM presents with greater frequency in the inguinal region and in men it is usually arranged in a diamond-shape distribution in the trunk. Rarely, it is found on the scalp and face.11 Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8.

2 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6.
-33 Cho S, Chang SE, Choi JH, Sung KJ, Moon KC, Koh JK. Clinical and histologic features of 64 cases of steatocystoma multiplex. J Dermatol. 2002;29:152-6.,77 Kim SJ, Park HJ, Oh ST, Lee JY, Cho BK. A case of steatocystoma multiplex limited to scalp. Ann Dermatol. 2009;21:106-9. Lesions vary from normochromic to yellow, are movable, with slow growth and liquid content most of the times.22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6.,44 Varshney M, Aziz M, Maheshwari V, Alam K, Jain A, Arif SH, et al. Steatocystoma multiplex. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011. pii: bcr0420114165.

SM appears in adolescence or early adulthood, with no predilection for sex.11 Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8.,22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6. Most cases have autosomal dominant feature, but it can also occur sporadically.55 Gordon Spratt EA, Kaplan J, Patel RR, Kamino H, Ramachandran SM. Steatocystoma. Dermatol Online J. 2013;19:20721.,66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9.,88 Ha WW, Wang J, Wang W, Fu HY, Tang HY, Tang XF, et al. A novel missense mutation of keratin 17 gene in a chinese family with steatocystoma multiplex. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25:508-10

Although it is a benign condition and most of the lesions are asymptomatic, there is an inflammatory variant called SM suppurativa.44 Varshney M, Aziz M, Maheshwari V, Alam K, Jain A, Arif SH, et al. Steatocystoma multiplex. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011. pii: bcr0420114165.,66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9. In this case, there is spontaneous rupture of the cysts, suppuration and malodorous drainage, especially if secondarily colonized by bacteria.22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6.,66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9.,99 Apaydin R, Bilen N, Bayramgürler D, Basdas F, Harova G, Dökmeci S. Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum: oral isotretinoin treatment combined with cryotherapy. Australas J Dermatol. 2000;41:98- 100. Abscesses can also occur. These findings resemble to lesions of acne conglobata or hidradenitis suppurativa.99 Apaydin R, Bilen N, Bayramgürler D, Basdas F, Harova G, Dökmeci S. Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum: oral isotretinoin treatment combined with cryotherapy. Australas J Dermatol. 2000;41:98- 100. The lesions can progress to scars, causing much discomfort to the patient.66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9.,99 Apaydin R, Bilen N, Bayramgürler D, Basdas F, Harova G, Dökmeci S. Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum: oral isotretinoin treatment combined with cryotherapy. Australas J Dermatol. 2000;41:98- 100.

CASE REPORT

Female patient, 23 years old, reported that at 11 years she noticed the appearance of papules and nodules in the axillary regions (Figure 1) and then in the inguinal region, which spread to trunk, lower limbs, antecubital fossae, face and scalp (Figures 2,3 and 4). She presented inflammation and recurrent infection of the lesions and underwent antibiotic therapy in these episodes. At 19 years, she used oral isotretinoin at a dose of 30 mg/day for 12 months, with slight improvement. She had no other comorbidities. The patient stated that her mother, who died of heart problems, had similar lesions on the face. The investigation proceeded with biopsy of a lesion, demonstrating epithelial cyst with thin eosinophilic cuticle in the inner part and adjacent sebaceous gland, findings that, associated with clinical findings of lesions resembling hidradenitis in flexural areas, confirmed the hypothesis of SM suppurativa (Figure 5). The patient did not want a surgical approach fearing the scars. Oral isotretinoin 1 mg/kg was then reintroduced and the patient improved clinically, maintaining the stability of the condition after six months of follow-up.

Figure 1
Nodulocystic lesions in the right armpit, res emb l in g hidradenitis

Figure 2
Lesion res emb l in g hidradenitis in the flexural area (right antecubital fossa)

Figure 3
Residual hyperchromic lesions in the lower limbs

Figure 4
Papular and nodulocystic lesions on the forehead

Figure 5
A. Epithelial wall cyst with thin eosinophilic cuticle in the inner part (HE 40X). B. Adjacent sebaceous gland is observed in the largest increase (HE 400X)

DISCUSSION

SM is a hamartomatous malformation of the junction of the pilosebaceous duct.11 Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8.,77 Kim SJ, Park HJ, Oh ST, Lee JY, Cho BK. A case of steatocystoma multiplex limited to scalp. Ann Dermatol. 2009;21:106-9. The origin of cyst formation is not completely known. The familial form may be related to mutation in the keratin 17, a keratin type 1 found in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.44 Varshney M, Aziz M, Maheshwari V, Alam K, Jain A, Arif SH, et al. Steatocystoma multiplex. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011. pii: bcr0420114165. The same mutation is found in pachyonychia congenita type 2 (PC-2), with which SM may be associated, a dominant autosomal disorder that presents with nail dystrophy, palmoplantar keratoderma, oral leukoplakia, follicular keratosis and epidermal inclusion cysts. 22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6.,44 Varshney M, Aziz M, Maheshwari V, Alam K, Jain A, Arif SH, et al. Steatocystoma multiplex. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011. pii: bcr0420114165.,55 Gordon Spratt EA, Kaplan J, Patel RR, Kamino H, Ramachandran SM. Steatocystoma. Dermatol Online J. 2013;19:20721.,88 Ha WW, Wang J, Wang W, Fu HY, Tang HY, Tang XF, et al. A novel missense mutation of keratin 17 gene in a chinese family with steatocystoma multiplex. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25:508-10 In addition, SM can manifest with hypertrophic lichen planus, acrokeratosis verruciformis, natal teeth and other findings.55 Gordon Spratt EA, Kaplan J, Patel RR, Kamino H, Ramachandran SM. Steatocystoma. Dermatol Online J. 2013;19:20721.,88 Ha WW, Wang J, Wang W, Fu HY, Tang HY, Tang XF, et al. A novel missense mutation of keratin 17 gene in a chinese family with steatocystoma multiplex. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25:508-10

There are phenotypic variations within the same family, as in the case of our patient, and there may be overlap among subtypes. The same mutation in the keratin 17 gene may manifest with SM or PC-2 alone or in association. More than 11 distinct mutations are described; however, the resulting phenotype is independent of the type of mutation. It is possible that these manifestations are spectra of the same disease.88 Ha WW, Wang J, Wang W, Fu HY, Tang HY, Tang XF, et al. A novel missense mutation of keratin 17 gene in a chinese family with steatocystoma multiplex. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25:508-10,1010 Duarte GV, Cunha R. Você conhece esta síndrome? Esteatocistoma múltiplo como parte da síndrome de paquioníquia congênita tipo 2. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:1222-32.

The largest case series of SM comprises 64 patients with clinical, demographic and histopathology analysis. It has been demonstrated that most of the cases were sporadic, with mean age of 26 years, and the most affected sites were the arms (35%) and chest (29%).33 Cho S, Chang SE, Choi JH, Sung KJ, Moon KC, Koh JK. Clinical and histologic features of 64 cases of steatocystoma multiplex. J Dermatol. 2002;29:152-6.

Symptoms such as pain, itching and fever may occur in the suppurative form. The evolution of SM to the suppurative form is rare and can happen at any time during the course of the disease. Reports of serious infections can result due to low socioeconomic status and poor adherence to treatment. Cystic lesions are often movable, with consistency ranging from firm to elastic. Nail disorder, such as hypertrophy, occur in most cases,66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9. but they were absent in the present case.

In addition to SM suppurativa, there are other reports of rare variants of SM, such as the facial, acral, vulvar and steatocystoma simplex (single lesion).11 Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8.,66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9.

In the case reported, although no genetic evaluation was performed, the patient probably had mutation in the keratin 17, considering it had a positive family history. Furthermore, it is a rare case, because it presented suppuration in limbs associated with facial and scalp lesions.

The clinic features of SM can resemble a number of diseases: vellus cysts, myxoid cyst, milia, acne conglobata, hidradenitis, and pseudofolliculitis, delaying the diagnosis and the proper monitoring.11 Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8.,22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6.,44 Varshney M, Aziz M, Maheshwari V, Alam K, Jain A, Arif SH, et al. Steatocystoma multiplex. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011. pii: bcr0420114165. SM suppurativa must be distinguished from severe nodulocystic acne, acne conglobata, infected fibroadenoma, and pyoderma.66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9.

To avoid delay in diagnosis of this condition, it is more feasible to proceed the investigation with histopathology,11 Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8. being more accessible than the genetic evaluation, in addition to presenting peculiar characteristics.

Histologically, the steatocystomas are dermal cysts coated with typical stratified squamous epithelium, whose stratum corneum shows wavy appearance, refractive and strongly eosinophilic. Sebaceous glands are usually present in the cyst wall, and hair may occur in its cavity.11 Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8.,22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6.

The treatment is varied and, in general, unsatisfactory, because of the difficulty of approaching such disseminated lesions. Surgery, needle aspiration, use of lasers such as CO2 and Erbium YAG, cryotherapy or oral isotretinoin are potential therapies options.22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6.,44 Varshney M, Aziz M, Maheshwari V, Alam K, Jain A, Arif SH, et al. Steatocystoma multiplex. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011. pii: bcr0420114165.,55 Gordon Spratt EA, Kaplan J, Patel RR, Kamino H, Ramachandran SM. Steatocystoma. Dermatol Online J. 2013;19:20721.

Inflamed lesions can be addressed with injection of corticosteroids or drainage.66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9. Use of oral isotretinoin for the treatment of SM has been reported with mixed results. Most responsive patients had SM suppurativa.99 Apaydin R, Bilen N, Bayramgürler D, Basdas F, Harova G, Dökmeci S. Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum: oral isotretinoin treatment combined with cryotherapy. Australas J Dermatol. 2000;41:98- 100. Isotretinoin usually does not eradicate this condition, but decreases the size of suppurative lesions.66 Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9. This therapeutic response probably reflects the anti-inflammatory effect of retinoids.99 Apaydin R, Bilen N, Bayramgürler D, Basdas F, Harova G, Dökmeci S. Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum: oral isotretinoin treatment combined with cryotherapy. Australas J Dermatol. 2000;41:98- 100.

These therapeutic modalities may be used in isolated form or in combination, according to the availability, clinical manifestations and patient’s wish, since most patients seek dermatologic service for esthetic demands.22 Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6. We should be alert to SM suppurativa and all the social and psychological implications it entails, seeking diagnosing as early as possible, clarifying the benign nature of the lesions, and offering available therapeutics.

  • *
    Study conducted at Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto of the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (HUPE-UERJ) – Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.
  • Financial Support: None

References

  • 1
    Kamra HT, Gadgil PA, Ovhal AG, Narkhede RR. Steatocystoma multiplex-a rare genetic disorder: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7:166-8.
  • 2
    Lima AM, Batista CMA, Rocha SP, Reis CMS, Leal IIR, Azevedo LEL. Esteatocistoma múltiplo. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:165-6.
  • 3
    Cho S, Chang SE, Choi JH, Sung KJ, Moon KC, Koh JK. Clinical and histologic features of 64 cases of steatocystoma multiplex. J Dermatol. 2002;29:152-6.
  • 4
    Varshney M, Aziz M, Maheshwari V, Alam K, Jain A, Arif SH, et al. Steatocystoma multiplex. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011. pii: bcr0420114165.
  • 5
    Gordon Spratt EA, Kaplan J, Patel RR, Kamino H, Ramachandran SM. Steatocystoma. Dermatol Online J. 2013;19:20721.
  • 6
    Fekete GL, Fekete JE. Steatocystoma multiplex generalisata partially suppurativa-case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2010;18:114-9.
  • 7
    Kim SJ, Park HJ, Oh ST, Lee JY, Cho BK. A case of steatocystoma multiplex limited to scalp. Ann Dermatol. 2009;21:106-9.
  • 8
    Ha WW, Wang J, Wang W, Fu HY, Tang HY, Tang XF, et al. A novel missense mutation of keratin 17 gene in a chinese family with steatocystoma multiplex. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25:508-10
  • 9
    Apaydin R, Bilen N, Bayramgürler D, Basdas F, Harova G, Dökmeci S. Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativum: oral isotretinoin treatment combined with cryotherapy. Australas J Dermatol. 2000;41:98- 100.
  • 10
    Duarte GV, Cunha R. Você conhece esta síndrome? Esteatocistoma múltiplo como parte da síndrome de paquioníquia congênita tipo 2. An Bras Dermatol. 2011;86:1222-32.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Sep-Oct 2016

History

  • Received
    07 Mar 2015
  • Accepted
    20 May 2015
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