Erythema nodosum. Review of 68 cases
More Monreal, J.; Rodríguez de la Serna, A.
Revista Clinica Espanola 171(6): 405-408
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-2565 PMID: 6672875 Document Number: 199226
A study was conducted of 68 patients suffering from erythema nodosum (EN) with special emphasis on the etiological and immunological aspects. 60 of this group were women (88%). Etiological factors were discovered in 37 cases (54%); streptococcia in 16, anovulatory drugs in 4, both factors in 3, tuberculosis in 5, sarcoidosis in 5, Crohn's disease in 1, ulcerous colitis in 1, Yersinia in 1, and Salmonella entetitis in 1. In the other 31 cases, there were elements of dubious etiology in 25 (37%); streptococcia in 13, tuberculosis in 10, and pregnancy in 2. In 6 cases (9%), no factor was detected which could be linked with the EN. In the cases associated with sarcoidosis, the proportion of males was significantly higher (P0.01). At the same time, polymorphous erythema was detected in 4 cases and rheumatic fever in 1 cases. The immunological parameters revealed no significant or specific changes (circulating immunocompleses, ANA complement, immunoglobulins, and Ag HBs). The authors discuss these results and compare them with other series, and stress the importance of EN in the diagnosis of associated, general illnesses. (author's modified)