Which of the following is a MAJOR diagnostic criterion for Sweet syndrome according to the von den Driesch criteria?

• A Dense dermal neutrophilic infiltrate without leukocytoclastic vasculitis ✓
• B Fever greater than 38 degrees Celsius
• C Peripheral blood neutrophil count above 8000 per microlitre
• D Excellent response to systemic corticosteroid therapy

Explanation

The von den Driesch criteria require both major criteria: abrupt onset of typical painful plaques or nodules, and histopathological evidence of a dense neutrophilic infiltrate in the dermis without leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Fever, neutrophilia, raised ESR or CRP, association with malignancy, inflammatory disease, or drugs, and dramatic corticosteroid response are all minor criteria requiring two of four for diagnosis. Option A is therefore the only major criterion listed among these choices.

Reference: Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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