Successful experience of secukinumab therapy in a patient with severe chronic suppurative hidradenitis

Severe forms of suppurative hidradenitis are characterized by a chronic recurrent course, accompanied by active inflammation, formation of nodes and abscesses, fistulous tracts with abundant purulent discharge and scarring. The case narrative concerns a patient who was not diagnosed with chronic suppurative hidradenitis for a long time. Misdiagnoses included “acne inversa”, “chronic furunculosis”, “chronic pyoderma”, and “secondary immunodeficiency”. The patient received short courses of antibacterial drugs, isotretinoin, systemic glucocorticosteroids, and ineffective surgical treatment. The lack of a correct diagnosis, inappropriate management strategy, and ineffective therapy over several years resulted in disease progression and patient’s disability and incapacity. The diagnosis of chronic purulent hidradenitis and administration of secukinumab yielded positive outcomes. Twelve months of secukinumab treatment resulted in sustained remission. The case narrative concerning the patient with severe suppurative hidradenitis showed that the treatment can be effective and that the drug is tolerated well.