Erythema nodosum an analysis of 100 cases

Abstract

An analysis of 100 cases of erythema nodosum (EN) is presented. Likely causative factors were : focal streptococcal infection in 56, oral contraceptives in 4, tuberculosis in 3, kerion (due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes) in 2, pregnancy in 2, Behcet's disease in 2 and amoebiasis in 1 patient. A definite cause could not be elicited in 30 patients. Clinical features were almost similar to previously reported studies, except unilateral distribution in 3 patients. An unusual association of subcutaneous emphysema of the chest with recurrent episode of EN was observed in 1 female patient. Forty-one patients with moderate and severe presentation, treated with indomethacin, showed quicker resolution of the lesions.