Work

Unique Presentation of the Follicular Occlusion Tetrad: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The follicular occlusion tetrad is a chronic inflammatory complex that consists of four co-related conditions in which follicles are blocked with keratin rupture and lead to inflammation. These conditions include hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), acne conglobata (AC), dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS), and pilonidal cyst (PC). Our unique case reports a 43-year-old female patient who presented with a 36-year history of all four elements of the tetrad after previous treatment with ciprofloxacin, spironolactone, and salicylic acid. Our case is notable as the patient presented after being on semaglutide for weight loss, as well as the first report of the full tetrad in a female patient. A comprehensive review of the follicular occlusion tetrad was conducted using current literature. The goal of the literature review was to provide a general overview of the patient population diagnosed with follicular occlusion tetrad. Additionally, weight loss medications were discussed as potential treatments for patients given the link between the disease and obesity. Further study is warranted to investigate the efficacy of newer therapies in managing patients.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.90254

Authors: Robert Adler, Isha Gandhi, Maisha Sheikh, Justin Marson, Steven Fishman

Institutions: State University of New York, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, University of Minnesota, Mount Sinai Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Language: English

Topic: Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Treatments

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4413315201

FWCI: 0.821

Cites: 21

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10