Erythema nodosum

Erythema nodosum is a painful red nodular rash that may be a manifestation of numerous systemic diseases.

Epidemiology

Erythema nodosum is three to five times more common in female patients .

Clinical presentation

Erythema nodosum appears as painful erythematous nodules over the shins approximately 1-6 cm in size and are usually distributed symmetrically. Systemic symptoms (e.g. fever) may also be present depending on the underlying condition .

Pathology

The rash is caused by panniculitis (inflammation of the subcutaneous fat) and is thought to be due to a type IV hypersensitivity .

Etiology

Multiple causes of erythema nodosum have been described :

• post-infectious (most common Streptococcal infection)
• infection (e.g. tuberculosis)
• sarcoidosis (see cutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis)
• pregnancy
• drug-related (e.g. oral contraceptive pill)
• inflammatory bowel disease
• paraneoplastic syndromes (e.g. Hodgkin disease, leukemia)
• idiopathic

Treatment and prognosis

Typically the lesions are self-limiting and resolve within a few weeks. Underlying disorders however should be investigated for and treated .

Siehe auch:

• Tuberkulose
• Sarkoidose
• Morbus Crohn
• Morbus Behçet
• Colitis ulcerosa
• löfgren syndrome
• rheumatic fever
• Pannikulitis

und weiter:

• subkutane Weichteilschwellung Knie
• Weichteilschwellung Knie
• subkutane Pannikulitis