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N

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Erythema Nodosum

 

What is Erythema Nodosum?

Erythema nodosum is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat.  It presents as localized deep, red, extremely tender nodules with distinct borders; older lesions resemble bruises (yellow-purple).  Multiple lesions are usually present, with the pretibial areas (lower extremity) usually involved. Systemic symptoms such as fever and arthralgias may be present. 

Erythema nodosum is a hypersensitivity reaction to a distant site of infection or inflammation, caused possibly by circulating immune complexes. There are numerous possible causes including: tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, deep fungal infections (coccidiomycosis, histoplasmosis, post-streptococcal infection, inflammatory bowel disease, Yersinia enterocolitis, pregnancy, drugs (especially oral contraceptive pills), and idiopathic.

With what can it be confused?

The diagnosis is usually not in doubt. Erythema nodosum can resemble bruising (hematoma) or superficial thrombophlembitis.

How is it diagnosed?

Physical exam and a history that reveals a risk factor is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis. The goal of laboratory investigations is to confirm a possible cause for the condition.  Throat culture or rapid strep test, antistreptolysin O titer, chest radiograph, tuberculin skin test, beta-HCG (for pregnancy), and gastrointestinal investigation (e.g. stool studies, endoscopy) if bowel symptoms are present suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease or infectious enterocolitis. Biopsy is not usually necessary.

 

How is it treated?

When identified, the underlying disease should be treated.  Pain and tenderness can be relieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (e.g. indomethacin). If an infectious cause is not suspected, a course of systemic steroids (prednisone) can provide rapid relief. In chronic erythema nodosum, compression stocking provide some relief.

What is the prognosis?

Erythema nodosum usually resolves within 3 to 6 weeks. Erythema nodosum associated with inflammatory bowel disease may flare with the underlying condition. Cutaneous complications, other than occasional scarring, does not occur.


Image links

DermnetNZ. Pictures and fact sheet

Other useful links

Hebbel, JL and Jabif, T. Erythema Nodosum. e-medicine. October 19, 2006


Date created 04/22/2007

Last updated 01/03/2009

 

Copyright Michael Ehrenreich, MD

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