Erythema gyratum repens unassociated with internal malignancy

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Erythema gyratum repens (EGR) is a rare, superficial migratory erythema.
• EGR is strongly associated with internal malignancy, often preceding its diagnosis.

Observation:

• A case of EGR in a 68-year-old male patient is reported.
• The patient underwent a 39-month evaluation period for potential malignancy.
• The patient's death was due to unrelated causes, with autopsy confirming no malignancy.

Findings:

• Despite the characteristic skin findings of EGR, no underlying malignancy was detected during the follow-up period.
• Autopsy findings also ruled out any neoplastic process.

Implications:

• This case suggests that EGR may occasionally occur without an associated malignancy.
• It highlights the importance of thorough but potentially prolonged evaluation in suspected EGR cases.
• Further research is needed to understand the specific pathobiology of EGR and its variable association with cancer.