title: Thrombocythemia as a cause of erythermalgia.
abstract: Erythermalgia is a distinctive clinical entity characterized by local redness, warmth, and burning pain in the distal portions of the extremities. In this study, erythemalgia was observed in two patients with myeloproliferative disease. A new theory suggesting abnormally rapid platelet aggregation as a cause of erythermalgia was advanced. The following evidence is presented: (1) histologic evidence of thrombi occluding the arterioles and probably composed of platelet aggregates; (2) reversal of the clinical findings with platelet aggregating drugs, such as heparin sodium and acetylsalicyclic acid; (3) disappearance of the erythemalgia with the adequate control of the myeloproliferative disease.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000473:pathology; D004916:Erythromelalgia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D013922:Thrombocytosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000473:pathology; D014034:Toes / Q000098:blood supply
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin