The clinical spectrum of Sweet's syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis)-a report of eighteen cases.

Eighteen cases of Sweet's syndrome are described. This is the largest series so far reported and the first from the tropics. The essential features are the characteristic morphology, the histological appearances, the dramatic response to corticosteroids and the absence of scarring. Attention is drawn to the frequent involvement of the eyes and joints during the course of the illness. Fever and neutrophilia were found less frequently than a raised ESR or a preceding upper respiratory tract or skin infection. The term Sweet's syndrome is preferred to acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. The frequency of occurrence of different clinical manifestations is discussed.