Erythromelalgia: a clue to the diagnosis of polycythemia vera.
We report the case of a 74-year-old woman with recurrent episodes of symmetrical congestion and erythema in the distal lower legs causing a burning distress. Laboratory and clinical investigations revealed an underlying myeloproliferative disorder. The cutaneous symptoms were atypical of erythromelalgia. Salicylates and treatment of the underlying polycythemia were able to eliminate the skin lesions but not entirely suppress the subjective discomfort.
Ongenae
K
K
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium.
Janssens
A
A
Noens
L
L
Wieme
N
N
Geerts
M L
ML
Beele
H
H
Naeyaert
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004916:Erythromelalgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011087:Polycythemia Vera / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin