Erythema migrans with multiple lesions
Constantin, C.; Peter, O.; Cerottini, J.; Derighetti, M.; Panizzon, R.; Guggisberg, D.
Annales de Dermatologie et de Venereologie 127(5): 513-516
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0151-9638 PMID: 10863185 Document Number: 517856
Introduction: Erythema migrans with multiple lesions is observed in Europe in only 5-20 p. 100 of Borrelia infections. The number of lesions observed simultaneously in one patient is less than 7, considering all the cases published in the literature to date. Case reports: We report three patients who presented multiple macular, erythematous and centrifugal lesions localized on the trunk and the limbs. The first patient presented about thirty lesions, the second more than seventy, and the third about twenty. Serology investigation and immunoblots allowed to establish the diagnosis of a recent Borrelia burgdorferi infection, with multiples lesions of erythema migrans. PCR performed on a skin biopsy of one of the patients confirmed the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi. Response to antibiotic therapy was immediate in all 3 patients. Discussion: These 3 cases are of particular interest because the number of simultaneous lesions is much higher than what is reported in the European literature. These observations remind the clinician that the diagnosis of erythema migrans with multiple lesions should be included, in Europe as well, in the differential diagnosis of multiple annular dermatoses.