ABSTRACT
Resumen La eritromelalgia es una enfermedad rara, crónica, poco conocida, de difícil diagnóstico y tratamiento. Caracterizada por enrojecimiento, calor, dolor intenso y ardor en la parte distal de las extremidades. Afecta fundamentalmente manos, pies, nariz y orejas. El rubor, el dolor y el calor de las extremidades aumentan al exponerse a altas temperaturas, así como después de realizar ejercicio. Los síntomas suelen aliviarse mediante la inmersión de la extremidad afectada en agua fría. Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 33 años de edad, blanca, con afectación predominantemente en las manos. A través del interrogatorio minucioso y la realización de los exámenes complementarios realizados se concluyó que la variante etiológica que presentó la paciente era una eritromelalgia primaria o idiopática. Se impuso tratamiento con aspirina y nifedipino. La evolución clínica de la paciente fue favorable (AU).
ASBTRACT Erythromelalgia is a rare, chronic, little known disease, of difficult diagnosis and treatment. It is characterized by redness, heat, and intense pain and burning in the distal part of the extremities. It mainly affects hands, feet, nose and ears. The flushing, pain and warmth of the extremities increase when exposed to high temperatures as well as after exercise. The symptoms are usually relieved by immersing the affected limb in cold water. The authors present the case of a white, 33-years-old woman, with predominantly involved hand. Through a detailed interview and complementary tests they concluded that the etiological variant presented by the patient was a primary or idiopathic erythromelalgia. Treatment with aspirin and nifedipine was prescribed; the clinical progress of the patient was successful (AU).
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Signs and Symptoms , Erythromelalgia/epidemiology , Clinical Diagnosis , Clinical Evolution , Erythromelalgia/diagnosis , Erythromelalgia/drug therapyABSTRACT
Abstract: The low prevalence of erythromelalgia, classified as an orphan disease, poses diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The aim of this review is to be an update of the specialized bibliography. Erythromelalgia is an infrequent episodic acrosyndrome affecting mainly both lower limbs symmetrically with the classic triad of erythema, warmth and burning pain. Primary erythromelalgia is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder, while secondary is associated with myeloproliferative diseases, among others. In its etiopathogenesis, there are neural and vascular abnormalities that can be combined. The diagnosis is based on exhaustive clinical history and physical examination. Complications are due to changes in the skin barrier function, ischemia and compromise of cutaneous nerves. Because of the complexity of its pathogenesis, erythromelalgia should always be included in the differential diagnosis of conditions that cause chronic pain and/or peripheral edema. The prevention of crisis is based on a strict control of triggers and promotion of preventive measures. Since there is no specific and effective treatment, control should focus on the underlying disease. However, there are numerous topical and systemic therapies that patients can benefit from.
Subject(s)
Humans , Erythromelalgia/etiology , Diagnosis, Differential , Erythromelalgia/diagnosis , Erythromelalgia/prevention & control , Chronic Pain/etiology , Nervous System Diseases/complicationsABSTRACT
Primary erythromelalgia is characterized by burning pain, redness, and warmth in the extremities. We present two cases of primary erythromelalgia both of whom presented with a history of several months of severe burning pain in both hands and feet. Both patients had received multiple pain medications with no improvement in symptoms. Pain was relieved by putting affected parts in ice cold water, which resulted in immersion injury of the affected parts. Both patients stopped taking part in school and social activities. We tried oral mexiletine, a class Ib antiarrythmic agent, in view of its reported role in various chronic painful conditions. Dramatic improvement was observed with its use. Both patients improved after several weeks of use, and there were fewer soaking episodes. We observed no adverse effects with mexilitine therapy
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Erythromelalgia/diagnosis , Mexiletine , Mexiletine/administration & dosage , Pain , Extremities , Anti-Arrhythmia Agents , Mexiletine/adverse effects , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Eritromelalgia é uma afecçäo rara que se caracteriza por intenso rubor, dor em queimaçäo e aumento da temperatura das extremidades. Formas primárias e secundárias têm sido descritas, em particular com trombocitemia essencial e policitemia vera. Os autores fazem o relato de um paciente de 15 anos, portador de eritromelalgia primária, e discutem os aspectos patogênicos, clínicso e tarapêuticso dessa entidade
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adolescent , Erythromelalgia/diagnosisABSTRACT
Os autores fazem um estudo sobre a etiologia, sintomatologia, meios de diagnóstico, tratamento clínico e cirúrgico das emfermidades vasculares funcionais