Necrolytic migratory erythema without glucagonoma.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a rare skin condition often associated with glucagon-producing pancreatic tumors.
• Previous literature links NME primarily to hyperglucagonemia and pancreatic islet cell tumors.

Observation:

• Two patients presented with clinical and histologic findings characteristic of NME.
• Neither patient exhibited significantly elevated glucagon levels.
• No associated pancreatic islet cell tumor was identified in either case.

Findings:

• The etiology of NME in these patients remains undetermined.
• The observed NME may be linked to an underlying small-bowel disorder present in both individuals.

Implications:

• This case series expands the differential diagnosis of NME.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of NME in the absence of hyperglucagonemia.
• Highlights the importance of considering gastrointestinal etiologies in NME presentation.