title: Metabolic panniculitis: alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency panniculitis and pancreatic panniculitis.
abstract: Panniculitis can be the initial presentation of both alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and pancreatic disease. They can both present with abscess-like draining nodules, but may present like other forms of panniculitis with erythematous nodules. It is important to consider these in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with panniculitis. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a relatively common disorder mainly affecting the lungs and liver. It frequently goes undiagnosed, yet critical interventions can be made to minimize disease progression. Panniculitis associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can be difficult to treat. Pancreatic panniculitis occurs in less than 3% of patients with underlying pancreatic disease and is often associated with arthritis. Diagnosis and treatment of the underlying pancreatic disease is imperative.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA. lyonm@uic.edu
authors.forename: Milena J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lyon
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D015434:Panniculitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D019896:alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy