TABLE 1

Diagnostic criteria for classic Sweet syndrome

The diagnosis requires both major and minor criteria:
Major criteria (both are required)
Abrupt onset of painful erythematous plaques or nodules
Histopathologic evidence of a dense neutrophilic infiltrate without evidence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis
Minor criteria (2 of 4 are required)
Temperature > 38°C (100.4°F)
Association with an underlying hemoproliferative disorder, inflammatory disease, or solid tumor
OR
Preceded by an upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infection
Excellent response to treatment with systemic corticosteroids or potassium iodide
Abnormal laboratory values at presentation (3 of 4 are required):

  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate > 20 mm/hour

  • Elevated C-reactive protein

  • White blood cell count > 8.0 × 109/L

  • Neutrophils > 70%

  • Adapted from information in references 7 and 8.