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Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Recurrent cutaneous erythralgia and arthralgia
K E Georgouras1, R A Wittal, P J Baird
1Dermatology Centre, Lidcombe Hospital, NSW.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
This study describes a new condition, erythralgia, characterized by painful skin patches and constitutional symptoms in Vietnamese men. The condition responded rapidly to anti-inflammatory drugs, suggesting a distinct rheumatologic or dermatologic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Recurrent painful cutaneous erythema is rare outside of cellulitis.
- This report details two unique cases in young adult Vietnamese men.
Observation:
- Patients presented with recurrent, painful, erythematous patches near joints, constitutional symptoms (malaise, lethargy, arthralgia, fever), and elevated inflammatory markers.
- One patient developed nodules on bony prominences and fingers.
- Episodes lasted one week with one to two-week intervals, persisting over 12 years.
Findings:
- Skin biopsies did not show neutrophils, excluding Sweet's Syndrome.
- Nodule biopsies and serological tests ruled out rheumatoid pathology and rheumatoid factor.
- Investigations excluded infections like borreliosis, indicating a novel disease pattern.
Implications:
- Erythralgia represents a previously undescribed condition potentially linked to past hepatitis B infection.
- Rapid response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents suggests an inflammatory basis.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and classification of erythralgia.
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