Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
06:31
Precision Implementation of Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing to Assess Individual Variation in Human Inflammatory Response
Published on: October 3, 2019
Amitriptyline-induced erythema annulare centrifugum
I García-Doval1, C Peteiro, J Toribio
1Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Galicia, Faculty of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Cutis
|February 10, 1999
Summary
This study reports a rare case of erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) triggered by amitriptyline. The condition presented with unique epidermal and dermoepidermal junction changes, resolving quickly after drug cessation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a reactive erythema characterized by annular, arciform lesions.
- Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with various known side effects.
Observation:
- A patient developed superficial EAC with prominent epidermal changes, including vesiculation.
- Histopathology revealed vacuolar degeneration at the dermoepidermal junction.
- Lesions presented as numerous arciform figures with diffuse erythema upon rechallenge.
Findings:
- The EAC case exhibited rapid onset and a short clinical course, unlike typical chronic EAC.
- This is the first documented instance of EAC associated with amitriptyline use.
- Distinctive features included epidermal vesiculation and dermoepidermal vacuolar changes.
Implications:
- This case highlights amitriptyline as a potential trigger for EAC.
- The rapid evolution and unique presentation may aid in diagnosing drug-induced EAC.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanism of amitriptyline-induced EAC.
