Abstract Bowel-associated dermatosis–arthritis syndrome (BADAS) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by recurrent erythematous macules, papules or vesicopustules accompanied by fever, malaise, arthralgia and peripheral arthritis. Although originally described after intestinal bypass procedures, BA-DAS is increasingly recognized in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet remains underdiagnosed and lacks practical guidance. We reviewed published IBD-associated BADAS cases to define clinical patterns and therapeutic options, and report two additional cases managed by an interdisciplinary team. Across the literature, 21 IBD-associated BADAS cases were identified, with a female predominance (65%) and a mean age at onset of 36.7 years; pediatric presentations accounted for 17%. Ulcerative colitis (12 cases) and Crohn’s disease (10 cases) were the most frequent underlying conditions. BADAS was often diagnosed concurrently with IBD, indicating that the combination of cutaneous eruptions, joint inflammation and systemic symptoms should prompt gastrointestinal evaluation. Frequently reported abnormalities included leukocytosis, anemia and elevated inflammatory markers, and skin histopathology typically showed a neutrophilic dermatosis often with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Case 1 (30-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis) achieved sustained remission with antibiotics, corticosteroid taper, cyclosporine induction and azathioprine maintenance. Case 2 (67-year-old man with Crohn’s disease) responded to antibiotics followed by infliximab, with resolution of skin, joint and intestinal activity. We propose a pragmatic management approach integrating antibiotics, optimization of IBD therapy and early use of biologics (preferably anti-TNF) in severe or steroid-refractory disease.
Nitskovich et al. (Thu,) studied this question.