Reactive Lobular Panniculitis in the Setting of Mpox (Monkeypox) Infection

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology

Background:

• Mpox (formerly monkeypox) was declared a global health emergency in 2022.
• The spectrum of mpox-related skin conditions is still being understood.
• Secondary cutaneous manifestations require further investigation.

Observation:

• A patient presented with painful, red subcutaneous nodules on his limbs.
• These lesions appeared following a recent mpox infection.
• The clinical presentation was unusual for mpox.

Findings:

• A biopsy of a leg lesion showed lobular panniculitis.
• Pathology revealed features similar to lupus panniculitis.
• The condition was identified as reactive panniculitis secondary to mpox.

Implications:

• This case expands the known dermatological sequelae of mpox.
• Reactive panniculitis is a rare but possible complication of mpox.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of such reactions.