Resolution of refractory symptoms of secondary erythermalgia with intermittent epidural bupivacaine.
OBJECTIVE
Erythermalgia is a rare disorder characterized by erythema, edema, elevated skin temperature, and burning pain of the hands and/or feet. The etiology of primary erythermalgia is idiopathic while secondary erythermalgia is associated with autoimmune and rheumatologic factors. Symptoms are typically refractory to medical management. We report the use of epidural bupivacaine as a treatment option for secondary erythermalgia.


METHODS
A 28-year-old woman presented with secondary erythromelalgia that was characterized by severe pain, swelling, and erythema. Medical management failed and a lumbar epidural dosed with bupivacaine was used. This resulted in complete resolution of the patient's symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Intermittent epidural bupivacaine may provide treatment of the refractory symptoms of secondary erythermalgia.
Stricker
L J
LJ
Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0048, USA.
Green
C R
CR
D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004916:Erythromelalgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002045:Bupivacaine