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ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
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ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS
Painful nodules without ulceration on anterior aspects of legs.
Slow regression over several weeks to resemble contusions.
Women are predominantly affected by a ratio of 10:1 compared to men.
Some cases associated with infection, IBD, or medication exposure.
Evaluation for underlying cause is essential.
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GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
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Erythema nodosum is a symptom complex of panniculitis characterized by tender, erythematous nodules that appear most commonly on the extensor surfaces of the lower legs. It usually lasts about 6 weeks and may recur. Most cases are idiopathic in nature. However, erythema nodosum can be a skin sign of systemic disease. Evaluation and management include making the diagnosis, treating the symptoms, and searching for an underlying cause. The disease may be associated with various infections—streptococcosis, primary coccidioidomycosis, other deep fungal infections, tuberculosis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Y enterocolitica infection, diverticulitis, or syphilis. It may accompany sarcoidosis, Behçet disease, and IBD. Erythema nodosum may be associated with pregnancy or with use of oral contraceptives. It may occur secondary to medications or, more rarely, an underlying malignancy.
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A. Symptoms and Signs
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The subcutaneous swellings are exquisitely tender and may be preceded by fever, malaise, and arthralgia. They are most often located on the anterior surfaces of the legs below the knees but may occur on the arms, trunk, and face (eFigure 6–61). The lesions, 1–10 cm in diameter, are at first pink to red; with regression, all the various hues seen in a contusion can be observed (Figure 6–20) but, as a rule, the lesions do not ulcerate.
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B. Laboratory Findings
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Evaluation of patients presenting with acute erythema nodosum should include a careful history (including medication exposures) and physical examination. Significant findings include a history of prior upper respiratory infection, diarrheal illness, exposure to tuberculosis, or symptoms of any deep fungal infection endemic to the area. All patients should get a chest radiograph, a purified protein derivative or blood interferon gamma release assay (such as QuantiFERON) (see Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Chapter 9), and two consecutive ASO/DNAse B titers at 2- to 4-week intervals. Coccidioidomycosis should be looked for in patients from endemic areas. If no underlying cause is found, only a small percentage of patients will go on to develop a significant underlying illness (usually sarcoidosis) over the next ...