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[Erythroderma induced by hypercalcitoninemia: two cases].
Y Scrivener1, N Jeandidier, P H Asch
1Clinique Dermatologique, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1, place de l'Hôpital, 67091 Strasbourg Cedex, France. yannis.scrivener@noos.fr
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|April 9, 2002
Summary
High calcitonin levels may cause erythroderma. Two patients with hypercalcitoninemia experienced erythroderma that resolved after thyroid surgery, suggesting a link between calcitonin and skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Erythroderma is typically caused by widespread skin disease or drug reactions.
- Endocrine disorders rarely cause erythroderma.
- This study investigates erythroderma potentially induced by hypercalcitoninemia.
Observation:
- Two male patients, aged 69 and 58, presented with erythroderma.
- Both patients had elevated serum calcitonin levels and positive pentagastrin tests.
- Thyroidectomy revealed C-cell hyperplasia, and erythroderma resolved post-surgery in both cases.
Findings:
- These are the first reported cases of erythroderma associated with hypercalcitoninemia.
- The resolution of erythroderma post-thyroidectomy suggests a causal role for calcitonin.
- Calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide are potent vasodilators, potentially explaining the skin manifestations.
Implications:
- Hypercalcitoninemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of erythroderma.
- Elevated calcitonin levels may trigger erythroderma through vasodilation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking calcitonin to erythroderma.