SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Rare Case of Aseptic Abscess Syndrome

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This document summarizes <strong>Aseptic Abscess Syndrome (AAS)</strong>, a <strong>rare autoinflammatory disorder</strong> characterized by <strong>deep, neutrophil-rich sterile abscesses</strong>. It is a <strong>diagnosis of exclusion</strong>, meaning infection must be carefully ruled out through <strong>negative blood cultures, serologic and molecular testing for pathogens, and negative microbiologic workup of pus or biopsy specimens</strong>.

Patients commonly present with a combination of <strong>fatigue, fever, weight loss, abdominal pain, and skin lesions</strong>. AAS is often associated with other inflammatory diseases, especially <strong>inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)</strong> and <strong>pyoderma gangrenosum (PG)</strong>, though isolated cases can also occur.

The syndrome may <strong>relapse</strong>, so long-term management is important. <strong>Corticosteroids</strong> are typically the first-line treatment and often lead to <strong>rapid clinical improvement</strong>. Maintenance therapy is still being defined, but may include <strong>DMARDs</strong> and <strong>biologic therapies</strong>. In the reported follow-up, the patient was transitioned to <strong>biologics</strong>.

The document also cites <strong>André’s criteria</strong> for diagnosis of AAS:
1. <strong>Deep abscesses with neutrophilic features</strong>
2. <strong>No identified infectious pathogen</strong>
3. <strong>Failure to improve with broad-spectrum antibiotics</strong>
4. <strong>Clinical improvement with corticosteroids</strong>

Overall, the report highlights the importance of recognizing AAS as a rare but treatable condition, ensuring thorough exclusion of infection, and using immunosuppressive therapy when appropriate.

Asset Subtitle

Deepa Mittal

Meta Tag

Author List Abhipsa Das, Deepa Mittal

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Aseptic Abscess Syndrome

Concept Sterile Abscess

Concept Diagnosis of Exclusion

Concept Infectious Workup

Concept Corticosteroid

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization UT Austin

Presenting Author Deepa Mittal

Track Adult

Keywords

Aseptic Abscess Syndrome

AAS

autoinflammatory disorder

sterile abscesses

diagnosis of exclusion

neutrophil-rich abscesses

corticosteroid treatment

inflammatory bowel disease

pyoderma gangrenosum

biologic therapy

Aseptic Abscess Syndrome

Sterile Abscess

Diagnosis of Exclusion

Infectious Workup

Corticosteroid