Rashes due to systemic diseases: Erythema nodosum, Pyoderma gangrenosum, Necrobiosis lipodica, Granuloma annulare, CLE, Erythema multiforme Flashcards
What is erythema nodosum?
Acute erythematous nodular eruption from skin due to inflammation of subcutaneous fat
It is a skin condition characterized by painful, red nodules, primarily on the lower legs.
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is associated with erythema nodosum?
Delayed type 4 hypersensitivity reaction
This reaction is often linked to underlying systemic diseases.
What percentage of erythema nodosum cases have no identifiable cause?
60%
This indicates that in many cases, the underlying cause remains unknown.
Name three drug classes that can cause erythema nodosum.
- NSAIDs
- Bromides
- Sulfonamides
Other drugs like iodides, penicillins, and salicylates can also be implicated.
List three systemic diseases associated with erythema nodosum.
- SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
- Sarcoidosis
- Crohn disease
Ulcerative colitis is also associated.
Which malignancies are linked to erythema nodosum?
- Lymphoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Leukaemia
These cancers can contribute to the development of the condition.
Name two types of microbiological infections that can cause erythema nodosum.
- TB (Tuberculosis)
- Viruses
Other infections include leprosy, deep fungal infections, and group A strep.
Describe the appearance of erythema nodosum nodules.
Erythematous, non-scarring, oval nodules that begin as light red then become darker and bruised
They typically have a symmetrical distribution.
Where on the body are erythema nodosum nodules most commonly found?
On shins, knees, ankles
However, they can occur anywhere on the body.
What are some associated symptoms of erythema nodosum?
- Fever
- Malaise
- Arthralgia
These symptoms often indicate an underlying illness.
What is the primary method of diagnosing erythema nodosum?
Clinical diagnosis
Investigations may include throat swabs and imaging tests.
Which test is used to identify streptococcal infection in erythema nodosum cases?
Streptolysin (ASO) titre
This test helps determine if a streptococcal infection is present.
What is the recommended initial management for erythema nodosum?
RICE and analgesia (e.g., NSAIDs)
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
True or False: Erythema nodosum usually resolves spontaneously within weeks to months.
True
Treatment should also focus on addressing the underlying cause.
What is pyoderma gangrenosum?
It is an ulcerative autoinflammatory disorder that is a form of neutrophilic dermatoses.
Who does pyoderma gangrenosum usually affect?
It usually affects adults, not children.
What are common associations in the pathophysiology of pyoderma gangrenosum?
It can be idiopathic but is usually associated with inflammatory disorders, haematological disorders, immunodeficiencies, drugs, and history of trauma or surgery.
What inflammatory disorders are associated with pyoderma gangrenosum?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and inflammatory arthritis.
What haematological disorders are associated with pyoderma gangrenosum?
Myeloproliferative disorders (commonly AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
What immunodeficiency is associated with pyoderma gangrenosum?
HIV infection.
What drugs are associated with pyoderma gangrenosum?
Cocaine, isotretinoin, and propylthiouracil (for hypothyroidism).
What is the typical presentation of pyoderma gangrenosum?
Painful, rapidly growing, irregularly-shaped papules or pustules that develop into large purulent ulcers with a grey-purple border and surrounding erythematous rim.
Where are pyoderma gangrenosum lesions usually located?
They are usually located on the lower extremities.
What is the hallmark of healing in pyoderma gangrenosum?
Healing leaves hallmark cribriform scarring, which is a criss-cross pattern.
How are lesions classed in pyoderma gangrenosum?
Lesions are classed as pustular, vesiculobullous, ulcerative, or vegetative.
What are the Maverakis criteria for pyoderma gangrenosum?
It includes 1 major criterion (histopathology of ulcer edge shows neutrophil infiltrate) and several minor criteria.
What investigations are done for pyoderma gangrenosum?
Charcoal swab sample of ulcer to identify microorganisms, biopsy to rule out other ulcerative causes, and tests to screen for underlying disease.
What is the primary management for pyoderma gangrenosum?
Primarily treat the underlying cause, with dermovate or calcineurin inhibitor around ulcer edges and keep the wound dressed and clean.