Highly Resistant Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau and Pustular Psoriasis

Dear Editor,

We present the case of an 82-year-old Caucasian female who was evaluated in 2009 with an 18-month history of purulent nailbeds of the bilateral great toes and thumbs. She reported a history of hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and pernicious anaemia. She denied recurrent fevers, arthritis, or a family history of pustular psoriasis. Her medications included lisinopril, frusemide, potassium, and metformin. She reported allergies to codeine and erythromycin, and no new medications in the past 3 months. Previous biopsies for H&E and immunofluorescence demonstrated subcorneal cavities filled with polymorphonuclear neutrophils in combination with a moderate lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and upper dermal oedema with no granulomatous inflammation or acid-fast bacilli identified. Previous management (Table 1) of her psoriasis and nails had included systemic antibiotics, whole-body NB-UVB phototherapy, hand and foot PUVA, and vitamin D supplementation with little benefit. Sequential trials of methotrexate 5 mg once per week, acitretin 25 mg daily, and cyclosporine 100 mg b.i.d. resulted in limited improvement but worsening of her pre-existing hypertension. The left great toe was amputated in September 2008 on suspicion of osteomyelitis due to persistent positive culture specimens for Mycobacterium fortuitum despite antibiotic therapy with cephalexin, flucloxacillin, and a 6-month course of doxycycline (doxycycline-sensitive isolate). After amputation she was referred to our clinic for ongoing management. On examination, pustules were concentrated on the fingertips and toes, particularly the right thumb. There was complete absence of the nail plate with diffuse pustular exudate (Fig. 1). She had scattered pustules on the extensor upper limbs and reported previous involvement of the lower limbs and trunk. There was no evidence of psoriatic arthritis on physical examination. The principal diagnosis was acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH)/pustular psoriasis with a differential diagnosis of subcorneal pustular dermatosis (Sneddon-Wilkinson syndrome).

Clinical presentation at the time of referral is shown in Figure 1. Adalimumab was commenced (40 mg subcutaneously every fortnight) on a compassionate use basis for a 12-week trial (Table 1). Limb plaques improved, however, the thumb remained recalcitrant and new pustules appeared by week 8 of therapy. Thioguanine 40 mg b.i.d. was trialled for 4 weeks; however, due to further deterioration, the patient requested resumption of cyclosporine at 300 mg/day. Worsening hypertension along with creatinine elevation necessitated cessation of cyclosporine and replacement with oral methotrexate and prednisolone whilst awaiting application for compassionate use of ustekinumab. Three doses of ustekinumab 45 mg were approved with minimal improvement (PASI score 16). Cyclosporine 100 mg b.i.d. was subsequently restarted with no impact upon nail disease. Blood pressure and eGFR remained within the normal range. Adjuvant topical therapies included miconazole 2% solution, calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment, and saturated solution of potassium iodide. No repeat isolation of M. fortuitum was identified during the period of treatment. Thalidomide was commenced at 50 mg b.i.d. with moderate improvement of nail symptoms, unfortunately treatment was discontinued due to cost. A significant flare (PASI score 27) resulted in resumption of cyclosporine and application for infliximab. Worsening mobility meant that regular attendance for infusions was impractical. Combined ustekinumab 45 mg, cyclosporine 200 mg b.i.d., and prednisone 7.5 mg/day commenced in July 2011 with rapid improvement (PASI score 2.7 at 4 weeks) but resistant nail disease. After 12 months, 2 infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin 0.4 mg/kg were administered, with no benefit to the nails. The patient was lost to follow-up and passed away after an intracranial haemorrhage, still on cyclosporine.