Hidradenitis suppurativa

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Recurrent inflammed mass lesions in the axillae. Does not shave. Parent has a similar condition requiring surgical excision

Patient Data

Age: 45
Gender: Female
ultrasound

Hypoechoic, linear mass lesions in the subcutaneous fat of the axilla with minor prominence of blood flow.

Case Discussion

These appearances are typical of the condition, whereby there is recurrent obstruction to sweat (apocrine) glands in various locations especially the axillae and groins leading to secondary infection. These present as recurrent painful, red swellings that contain pus and should be differentiated from obstucted sebaceous glands that tend to be rounder and less prone to infection.  The condition tends to run in families and to be more common in certain ethnic groups.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.