J Rheum Dis.  2018 Jan;25(1):69-72. 10.4078/jrd.2018.25.1.69.

Coexistence of Erythromelalgia and Raynaud's Phenomenon in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dermatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hackmen@naver.com
  • 2Department of Dermatology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Erythromelalgia (EM) is an uncommon disorder characterized by redness, heat, and painful extremities with intense burning sensation. Attacks of EM may be worsened by limb warming, exercise, or dependency of the affected extremity. Although the coexistence of EM and Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) may appear to be opposites in symptomatology and clinical presentation, recent studies provide an explanation based on a dysfunction of the regulation of vasomotor tone. Here, we report a case of EM in a patient with RP.

Keyword

Erythromelalgia; Raynaud's phenomenon; Systemic lupus erythematosus

MeSH Terms

Burns
Erythromelalgia*
Extremities
Hot Temperature
Humans
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*
Sensation

Figure

  • Figure 1. (A) Diffuse redness with mild swelling on the both sole. (B) Grouped bean sized violaceous macules on the medial side of right heel. (C) Bluish cyanotic changes on the left 2nd, 4th, and 5th fingers.

  • Figure 2. (A) Compact hyperkeratosis, irregular rete ridge, dilated vessels in the papillary dermis and small sized vessels with fibrin thrombi in the mid-dermis (H&E, ×40). (B) High-power view showing vessel dilatation with vessel endothelial hyperplasia, fibrin thrombi, fibrinous necrosis and mild perivascular and vascular lymphocytic infiltration (H&E, ×100).

  • Figure 3. Scattered dilated vessels in the upper dermis (H&E, ×100).


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