ABSTRACT
Three cases of persistent erythema multiforme, two of unknown aetiology and one precipitated by influenza are reported. Lesions were widespread, mostly atypical in appearance and regressed in response to immunosuppressants (systemic steroids and/or azathioprine) or, in one case, to dapsone. One patient developed erythroderma responding eventually to etretinate. Histology in all patients was consistent with the mixed, epidermodermal pattern of erythema multiforme. There were no significant laboratory abnormalities nor marked symptomatology apart from itching. The persistent form appears to belong to the spectrum of erythema multiforme being heterogeneous with respect to inducing stimuli, including viral antigens, neoplastic or inflammatory disease or unknown causes. Whenever it is possible, treatment should be adjusted depending on the causative agent.
Subject(s)
Erythema Multiforme/pathology , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
We report a patient with bullous delayed pressure urticaria (DPU) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) in whom a systemic reaction occurred. The reaction occurred 18 h after a pressure test had been performed on the right forearm. Blood histamine levels were more elevated in the sample taken from the forearm on which the test had be applied. Skin biopsy revealed both intraepidermal and subepidermal bullae with a sparse dermal inflammatory infiltrate and direct immunofluorescence showed linear deposition of fibrinogen along the epidermodermal basement membrane. As far as we are aware this is only the third case of bullous DPU reported and the first associated with generalized urticaria and angioedema and severe broncho-obstruction. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.
