Adalimumab as a successful treatment for acne fulminans and bilateral acute sacroiliitis with hip synovitis complicating isotretinoin therapy

Abstract

Acne lesions showed gradual improvement during the first month of therapy [Figure 1]b and [Figure 2]b, and interestingly comedones disappeared almost completely after 3 months of therapy [Figure 1]c and [Figure 2]c. The patient was maintained on adalimumab (humira) for 12 months without any adverse effects, which was later stopped with follow-up period of 3 months, with no relapse and complete resolution of the lesion on MRI [Figure 3c] and [Figure 3d]. [...]although acute sacroiliitis and large joint synovitis are rare complications of isotretinoin therapy, they may be so severe, incapacitating, and resistant to conventional therapy. Adalimumab could be used as a successful treatment for acute sacroiliitis and acne fulminans complicating isotretinoin therapy. [...]it could be a promising treatment for acne vulgaris resistant to isotretinoin therapy.