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Erythema nodosum: the underlying conditions
D N Psychos1, P V Voulgari, F N Skopouli
1Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece.
Clinical Rheumatology
|June 28, 2000
Summary
Erythema nodosum (EN), an inflammatory skin condition, frequently stems from sarcoidosis and infections. However, the specific cause of EN remains unidentified in a significant portion of patients, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Erythema nodosum (EN) presents as inflammatory, tender nodular skin lesions.
- EN is frequently linked to diverse underlying systemic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of various causes of Erythema nodosum (EN).
- To investigate the etiological spectrum of EN in a patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 132 Erythema nodosum (EN) patients from 1984-1990.
- Comprehensive evaluation including medical/family history, physical examination, laboratory/immunological work-up, and indicated diagnostic procedures.
Main Results:
- Women constituted 83% of the 132 patients; mean age was 41.0 years.
- Identified causes included sarcoidosis (28%), infections (17.3%), and tuberculosis (1.5%).
- Idiopathic Erythema nodosum (EN) accounted for 35%; other causes included Adamantiadis-Behçet's syndrome, pregnancy, and drug-induced reactions.
Conclusions:
- Sarcoidosis and infections are common etiologies for Erythema nodosum (EN).
- A significant percentage of Erythema nodosum (EN) cases remain idiopathic, suggesting the need for further diagnostic exploration.
- Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are rarely associated with Erythema nodosum (EN).