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Dermatology7 papers

PASS syndrome

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

PASS syndrome is a rare, chronic-relapsing inflammatory disorder characterized by the concurrent presence of pyoderma gangrenosum, acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, and spondyloarthritis, lacking specific biological or genetic markers 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical criteria include the presence of four core features: pyoderma gangrenosum, acne vulgaris, hidradenitis suppurativa, and spondyloarthritis 1.
  • No specific laboratory or imaging tests definitively diagnose PASS syndrome; diagnosis is primarily clinical 1.
  • Management

  • First-line treatments: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and antibiotics for specific manifestations 1.
  • Adjunctive treatments: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and interleukin (IL) inhibitors have been used, though efficacy varies 1.
  • Novel treatment: Secukinumab, an IL-17A inhibitor, showed remarkable clinical improvement in a case report, suggesting potential as a therapeutic option 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: No specific data provided in the abstracts 1.
  • Pediatrics: No specific data provided in the abstracts 1.
  • Elderly: No specific data provided in the abstracts 1.
  • Comorbidities: Management considerations for comorbidities are not detailed in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Consider TNF inhibitors and IL inhibitors as adjunctive therapies for managing PASS syndrome symptoms (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Secukinumab may be considered for patients with refractory symptoms, based on promising case study outcomes (Evidence: Weak 1).
  • Further randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines for PASS syndrome (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • References

    1 Li M, Xiang H, Liang Y, Xue L, Zhou X, Yang L et al.. Secukinumab for PASS syndrome: A new choice for therapeutic challenge?. Dermatologic therapy 2022. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Secukinumab for PASS syndrome: A new choice for therapeutic challenge?Li M, Xiang H, Liang Y, Xue L, Zhou X, Yang L et al. Dermatologic therapy (2022)

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